In this guide:
A note on language: At Mable, we use ‘identity-first’ language when referring to autism and autistic people. We’ve made this decision based on feedback from our community. We understand different people have different preferences, and we recognise and respect every individual’s right to choose how their identity is described.
Daily living skills are more than just routine tasks. They’re the building blocks of independence, and for individuals with autism, mastering these skills can support self-confidence, social participation and overall quality of life.
Autism may affect how a person learns and performs everyday activities, from brushing teeth to catching public transport. With the right support, strategies and consistency, autistic children and adults can develop these essential skills and live more independently at home and in the community.
This guide offers practical ways to support daily living skills for autism, including how support workers who specialise in autism and NDIS funding can play a key role in building long-term independence.
Key insights on building independence in daily life with autism
- Daily living skills are foundational. Personal care, household tasks and communication skills can help autistic individuals lead more independent, confident lives.
- Autism can affect everyday tasks. Challenges with communication, sensory processing and routine changes may make learning these skills more complex.
- Practical strategies make a difference. Visual supports, consistent routines and gradual exposure to tasks support successful learning.
- Real-life practice builds confidence. Applying skills in natural settings helps individuals transfer learning across environments.
- Tailored approaches matter. Aligning strategies with each person’s strengths, needs and preferences ensures better outcomes.
- Professional and family collaboration is key. A combined effort from therapists, support workers and caregivers helps to maintain consistency.
- Support workers enhance independence. They guide daily routines, reinforce goals from therapists and provide encouragement with safety in mind.
- The NDIS can fund essential supports, subject to funding eligibility requirements. Funding categories include Core Supports, Capacity Building and Social & Community Participation.
How can autism affect daily living skills?
For many autistic individuals, differences in sensory processing, executive functioning and social understanding can make everyday tasks feel more complex. Navigating these challenges alone can be hard but a little extra support can help to build confidence and independence across various aspects of life.
For example, some autistic people may find personal care routines like brushing teeth and getting dressed challenging due to sensory processing difficulties. Sequencing steps may also be tricky, but simple tools like visual checklists can help.
Other challenges may present in home life, and this is where developing domestic skills like cooking and cleaning can increase confidence and prepare individuals for more independent living. Support workers are a great support to help build these habits gradually.
Stepping out into the wider world requires another set of skills, from navigating public transport to managing money, which can feel overwhelming. Practicing these real-life scenarios and using helpful apps or visual maps can boost confidence in accessing community spaces.
Underpinning all of these areas of life are social and communication skills, which are crucial for everything from participating in group activities to simply asking for help.
When it comes to fostering these abilities, resources like psychology, occupational therapy and speech therapy can help support social communication and empower individuals to express their needs effectively.
Strategies for developing daily living skills with the right autism support
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to developing daily living skills for autism.
However, with the right tools, encouragement and support network, these everyday tasks can become empowering milestones. It’s important to remember that building independence doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time, patience and strategies tailored to each person’s abilities, challenges and interests.
It’s always important to consult a qualified health professional when creating support plans or setting therapy goals. This ensures that approaches are safe, appropriate and genuinely helpful.
Guidance from allied health professionals, therapists and other specialists provides expert-backed strategies that can be adapted as the person grows.
Additionally, support for autistic people through platforms like Mable can all work together to reinforce learning.
When everyone is on the same page, daily routines become opportunities for growth, confidence and greater autonomy.
The following are some tools that may be helpful.
- Visual supports – using charts, visual schedules or video modelling to break down tasks step by step, in an easy-to-follow format.
- Consistent routines – creating predictable routines to reduce anxiety and help create structure, especially with tasks that can be done at the same time each day.
- Real-life practice – reinforcing skills learned in therapy in daily settings through repetition like making breakfast, getting ready for school or catching the bus.
- Gradual introduction of new tasks – breaking activities into smaller steps and introducing them one at a time to avoid overwhelming the individual.
- Involving individuals in household chores – assign age-appropriate tasks like setting the table or feeding a pet, to help foster independence and responsibility.
- Focusing on strengths – leverage interests (like animals, trains or planes) to motivate learning. For example, a love of trains or planes might be used to practise planning travel.
- Seeking professional support – work with therapists and educators to adapt tasks to the person’s needs and build on their developmental stage.
The role of support workers in activities of daily living (ADLs)
Support workers play a vital role in building autism and independence, helping individuals grow their skills and confidence in everyday life. From getting ready in the morning to therapeutic support, hands-on help is available and tailored to each person’s goals and needs.
Specialised support workers for autism offer far more than just practical help and can create consistency, encourage progress and ensure safety along the way.
Whether it’s following a visual schedule, reinforcing a therapy plan, or simply celebrating small wins, they are often a key part of the journey toward greater independence. Their collaboration with families, therapists and allied health professionals helps build a strong and supportive environment for skill development.
Personalised support and therapy
Encouragement and supervision
From cheering small wins to ensuring safety when cooking or crossing the street, a support worker’s role includes motivation and safeguarding. Many support services include regular progress check-ins or shared goal tracking.
Collaboration with families and therapists
Effective support requires open communication between families, therapists and support workers. Support workers can also help with transportation to therapy, community programs, or social activities, making it easier to practice skills in different environments.
How does the NDIS support daily living skills for autistic people?
The NDIS recognises the importance of supporting daily living skills for autism and funds a range of disability support services through its different budget categories. For immediate, hands-on assistance, Core Supports funding helps those who are eligible with daily activities like getting dressed, cooking meals, and managing hygiene. It may also include help from support workers for personal care.
Looking towards the future, Capacity Building Supports are designed to foster long-term independence by helping individuals learn new skills like budgeting or using public transport on their own. To round this out, Social and Community Supports funding encourages connection by making it possible to take part in community events, recreation programs or group learning activities that build social skills and confidence.
Learn more about NDIS funding for social and community participation.
Resources for daily living skills development
Looking for more guidance on building independence with autism? These trusted Australian resources offer practical advice, funding information and support options to help individuals and families navigate daily living skills with confidence.
- NDIS – Official information on funding categories and eligibility.
- Raising Children Network – Evidence-based guidance on autism, daily routines and building independence.
- Autism Awareness Australia – Offers skill-building programs and community support across states.
- Mable Topic Library – Read more about communication, support options and independent living strategies.
Frequently asked questions
What are activities of daily living (ADLs) for autistic people?
ADLs include basic self-care tasks like dressing, cooking, cleaning, managing money or communicating needs - all essential for independent living.
What is the ADL assessment for autism?
It's a tool used by allied health professionals to evaluate how independently a person can complete daily tasks, helping tailor support plans.
How can autism affect a child's day-to-day life?
Autistic children may find transitions, multi-step tasks or new situations challenging. Sensory issues or communication differences may also impact routines.
How can I teach daily living skills to my autistic child?
Use visual tools, repetition and strength-based approaches. Break tasks into small steps and celebrate progress. Learn more about early intervention for autism.
How can autism affect work life?
Communication differences, sensory challenges or routine needs may impact employment. With the right supports, many autistic people thrive in work environments. Explore autism support for employment readiness.
The information provided in this article is general information only and based on current information at the date of publication. In addition to considering the information shared in this article, Mable encourages you to conduct your own research and seek independent medical advice relative to your circumstances. If you wish to use your NDIS funding on any of the services outlined above, Mable recommends that you check your NDIS Support Plan or speak with your Plan Manager to ensure that the appropriate services are coverable.