DAILY LIVING SKILLS –
< My Thoughts > Developing ‘daily living skills’ and developing ‘self-awareness’ go together hand-in-hand. This becomes one of the trickier tasks to teach with any child. So, before teaching ‘daily living skills’ one must have ‘self-awareness’
According to Duff & Flattery (2014), understanding ‘self’ is contingent upon understanding there is ‘other’, in other words, someone ‘other’ than ‘self’. They say that understanding ‘other’ also requires a high-level of understanding ‘object permanence’. We are reminded that “the understanding of ‘self’ is not present at birth, but develops through a process of social experiences.”
In Child Psychology class, I remember learning that babies cry when mommy leaves the room because they lack ‘object permanence’. Mommy is gone forever, because the concept of her just being in another room isn’t part of the newborn’s experiences or understanding yet.
These authors say that the tried and true method of whether or not a child has discovered ‘self’, is to put rouge on their nose then place them in front of a mirror. If they touch their nose or try to wipe off the rouge, then they are relating to the image in the mirror as themselves... ‘self’.
< My Thoughts > Developing ‘daily living skills’ and developing ‘self-awareness’ go together hand-in-hand. This becomes one of the trickier tasks to teach with any child. So, before teaching ‘daily living skills’ one must have ‘self-awareness’
According to Duff & Flattery (2014), understanding ‘self’ is contingent upon understanding there is ‘other’, in other words, someone ‘other’ than ‘self’. They say that understanding ‘other’ also requires a high-level of understanding ‘object permanence’. We are reminded that “the understanding of ‘self’ is not present at birth, but develops through a process of social experiences.”
In Child Psychology class, I remember learning that babies cry when mommy leaves the room because they lack ‘object permanence’. Mommy is gone forever, because the concept of her just being in another room isn’t part of the newborn’s experiences or understanding yet.
These authors say that the tried and true method of whether or not a child has discovered ‘self’, is to put rouge on their nose then place them in front of a mirror. If they touch their nose or try to wipe off the rouge, then they are relating to the image in the mirror as themselves... ‘self’.
Begin teaching your child ‘daily living skills’ by first playing around with the mirror idea. Sonny has mirrors everywhere in the house. The only time I see him actually looking in the mirror at ‘his’ reflection is in the bathroom. He usually looks a little puzzled and taken back, but I think that he does recognize himself in the mirror. He also seems to see and know that the person’s reflection waving to him is me. He usually seems to recognize himself in pictures on the shelf and in photo albums.
If your child responds to posters or books, you might try creating a Visual Daily Schedule to teach ‘Daily living skills’. Here are some ideas, many more online. Of course, social stories and verbal prompting or other visual and auditory cueing is usually necessary. I’m never implying that your child will spontaneously or independently use these visuals to dress or bathe, but that is the ultimate goal. Smiles.
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Reference used here was:
Duff, C. & Flattery Jr., J. (2014). Developing Mirror Self Awareness in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V44, p.1027 - 1038.
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Note: Next in the What to do While You Wait is - #4 Programs, Therapies & Interventions. Enjoy!
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Disclaimer: Just to let you know that I, Sara Luker, have put forth my best efforts to create the extended book reviews presented here on this website. I have permission from the authors to publish these Extended Book Reviews. This is just a sharing of stories of those who have gone on before you. Please, understand also that all health matters ALWAYS require professional medical decisions, diagnosis, and treatment by highly qualified and licensed individuals.
Recently, I have added “What to Do While You Wait” to the website. This collection of information is for educational purposes only. My hope is that you will not feel alone when dealing with the mysteries of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Know that I, Sara Luker, receive neither financial rewards nor other interests derived from this website. This has been created purely for the readers sharing information and for your enjoyment.
Regards,
Sara Luker
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Reference used here was:
Duff, C. & Flattery Jr., J. (2014). Developing Mirror Self Awareness in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V44, p.1027 - 1038.
=================
Note: Next in the What to do While You Wait is - #4 Programs, Therapies & Interventions. Enjoy!
=================
Disclaimer: Just to let you know that I, Sara Luker, have put forth my best efforts to create the extended book reviews presented here on this website. I have permission from the authors to publish these Extended Book Reviews. This is just a sharing of stories of those who have gone on before you. Please, understand also that all health matters ALWAYS require professional medical decisions, diagnosis, and treatment by highly qualified and licensed individuals.
Recently, I have added “What to Do While You Wait” to the website. This collection of information is for educational purposes only. My hope is that you will not feel alone when dealing with the mysteries of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Know that I, Sara Luker, receive neither financial rewards nor other interests derived from this website. This has been created purely for the readers sharing information and for your enjoyment.
Regards,
Sara Luker
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