What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Here at Therapy Smarts in Chapel Hill, we’re proud to be one of the only clinics in our area providing an ADL suite— but what is ADL? ADL stands for “activities of daily living” and it encapsulates a wide range of tasks that are essential to self-care and living independently.
If your child struggles with tasks such as making their bed, showering or doing laundry, consistent treatment with an occupational therapist in an ADL suite can help!
Smart Start
What are Activities of Daily Living?
ADL can cover a number of tasks— any element of self-care and maintaining your space. This can include making your bed, dressing yourself, eating, brushing your teeth, doing your laundry, tidying the home and more.
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Signs of Struggle with ADLs
Kids may struggle with ADLs for a number of reason— neurological conditions, developmental delays, musculoskeletal disorders, mental health concerns and chronic illnesses. Regardless of the underlying condition, an occupational therapist will be able to build an individualized care plan with your child’s unique needs in mind.
A few signs that your child might struggle with ADLs include:
- Needs constant prompting or supervision to complete basic self-care tasks.
- Avoids or resists daily routines (e.g., brushing teeth, getting dressed).
- Takes significantly longer than peers to complete tasks.
- Demonstrates frustration, meltdowns, or anxiety during self-care activities.
- Appears messy, unkempt, or inappropriately dressed for weather/situation.
By practicing the skills they struggle with or avoid in a natural setting, under the guidance of a trained occupational therapist or COTA, children who struggle with ADLs can learn to build the skills that enable them to live and thrive independently.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.