How can LessonPix support the development of self-help skills?
Self-help skills, including independence in feeding, toileting, dressing and hygiene tasks are important for individuals of all ages and levels of development. Visual supports can serve as a reminder for the steps in a task, provide individuals with a means of communication during self-care, or provide prompts needed to engage in a task.
A low tech communication board can be especially useful when you want to continue to provide access to language during bathing, toileting, or handwashing when an electronic communication device may not be as functional due to water, positioning or body fluids. Core vocabulary boards can provide access to multi-functional vocabulary such as turn, me, help, stop, need, up, down, on, and off. A fringe vocabulary board can provide situation-specific words like toothbrush, soap, towel and toilet paper.
Social narratives are a great way to teach self-help skills. Use Ew! Germs! to teach students about germs and handwashing. How to Use Good Table Manners helps students understand how to use utensils, wipe their faces, and clean up after themselves during meals.
A checklist can help remind students of important daily self-care tasks they need to complete before they leave for school.
A step-by-step visual schedule helps individuals know the specific sequence of a task so that they can complete it more independently.
Here are some visuals for toileting. Check out this great article on using a Portable Potty Plan Here.
Occupational Therapy #OT