Building Independence

Small Steps, Big Progress

Gaining independence isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about learning skills, building routines, and developing confidence to handle daily life. Many autistic young adults struggle with tasks like cooking, budgeting, and managing responsibilities, but these skills can be broken down into simple, manageable steps.

Developing a structured routine, using visual planning tools, and setting small goals can make everyday tasks feel more achievable. When independence is built gradually, with the right strategies, young adults can feel more in control of their lives and confident in handling new challenges.

Strategies to Build Daily Life Skills

Start with One Skill at a Time – Learning multiple new responsibilities at once can feel overwhelming. Focus on one skill—like preparing simple meals or managing a weekly budget—before moving to the next.
Use Step-by-Step Instructions – Breaking tasks into smaller steps makes them easier to understand and complete. Creating a checklist for tasks like cooking or cleaning can help build confidence in following through.
Practice in Real-Life Situations – Independence is built through hands-on experience. Whether it's ordering food at a café, navigating public transport, or paying for groceries, practicing real-life skills regularly helps develop confidence.
Make Use of Visual Supports – Many autistic individuals find visual schedules, written instructions, and reminders helpful for staying on track. Using a planner, to-do lists, or phone alarms can make managing responsibilities easier.

Creating Routines & Managing Time Effectively

Establish a Daily Routine – Having a structured daily schedule helps with predictability and reduces stress. Creating a morning and evening routine can provide stability and make daily transitions smoother.
Use Timers & Alarms – Setting timers for tasks like showering, cooking, or transitioning between activities can help with time management and staying on track.
Set Up a Visual or Digital Planner – Writing down tasks in a planner or using a calendar app can prevent forgetfulness and help with planning ahead. Colour coding or using symbols can make schedules easier to follow.
Plan for Extra Time When Learning New Skills – Rushing through tasks can create stress. Allowing extra time for new responsibilities, like cooking or commuting, helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence.

Overcoming Challenges & Building Confidence

Normalise Mistakes as Part of Learning – Fear of failure can hold back progress. Viewing mistakes as learning opportunities makes it easier to keep trying and improving.
Use a Problem-Solving Approach – When facing a challenge, breaking it down into steps and thinking through possible solutions helps develop independence.
Encourage Decision-Making – Making small daily decisions, like choosing what to wear or planning a meal, helps build confidence for bigger decisions in the future.
Celebrate Small Wins – Acknowledging progress, no matter how small, reinforces independence and builds motivation to keep going.

What to Learn More?

If you or your child need support in building independence, we’re here to help. Contact Purposeful Connections today to learn more about our mentoring services and how we can support this journey.