1. Teaching Independent Living Michelle S. Alkon Adult Services, AANE michelle.alkon@aane.org 617.393.3824 ext. 25 DDS Autism Training January 28 2016

2. Agenda: Independent Living Context Independent Living Skills Fostering Change Teaching Life Skills ©Asperger/Autism Network 2

3. Sheldon thinks he is sick ©Asperger/Autism Network 3

4. Independent Living Skills Housing / Living Situation Daily Living Skills Transportation Financial Management Medication Management 4 ©Asperger/Autism Network

5. Housing / Living Situation o Parents o Roommates o Alone / by themselves o In-law apartment o Partner / children 5 Independent Living Skills ©Asperger/Autism Network

6. Independent Living Skills Daily Living Skills o Food - learning to cook, creating a recipe book o Sleep cycle o Cleaning schedule o Hygiene (personal and space) o Shopping – groceries, clothes o Safety - fire, theft, sharing of information (in-person/ online) 6 ©Asperger/Autism Network

7. Independent Living Skills Transportation o License / driving – capability o Public transit o Government assistance "ride", discounted fares o Alternatives – walking, bike, car pool 7

8. Independent Living Skills Financial Management o Allowance – weekly, monthly o Paying bills on time o Bank account – credit card, debit card o Financial planning – Trust, rep payee 8 ©Asperger/Autism Network

9. Independent Living Skills Medication Management o Taking medication as prescribed o Keep regular doctor appointments o Knowing how to refill prescriptions o Knowing when to ask for help 9 ©Asperger/Autism Network

10. Fostering Change: Challenges Rigidity Anxiety Depression Social / hidden curriculum Invisible disability Emotional regulation Negative self talk Black and white thinking (all or nothing) Sensory issues Not reading body language Slow processing speed Perspective taking – Theory of Mind Developmental delay – not intellectual, but social/emotional Inability to generalize a situation 10 ©Asperger/Autism Network

11. Fostering Change: Anticipate Negative reactions Insistence on sameness Preference for familiarity Need for predictability Rational logical explanation ( should make sense to them ) Need to be made aware of all options – might get stuck on few possibilities Requiring help identifying natural supports 11 ©Asperger/Autism Network

12. Fostering Change: Assess Client’s readiness Client’s maturity Current situation Where the client wants to be in the future 12 ©Asperger/Autism Network

13. Fostering Change Tolerate Disagreement Make Allowances ©Asperger/Autism Network13

14. Fostering Change Be realistic, create a timeline Use visual cues Ask practical questions 14 ©Asperger/Autism Network

15. Teaching Life Skills Teach life skills experientially, not theoretically. ©Asperger/Autism Network15

16. Teaching Life Skills Teaching by Modeling Talking/showing/doing ©Asperger/Autism Network16

17. Teaching Life Skills Explicit instruction in life skills Example: driving Repeat for cooking, cleaning, paying bills, refilling prescriptions ©Asperger/Autism Network17

18. Teaching Life Skills If the individual is able to do something herself, allow her to do it herself. ©Asperger/Autism Network18

19. Teaching Life Skills Explicit Instruction In Situ o Teasing out the moving parts o Building systems o Example: the bedroom ©Asperger/Autism Network19

20. Teaching Life Skills Create opportunities for each individual to build skills around adult living and independence. o Contributing to the household o Reasonable standard ©Asperger/Autism Network20

21. Bottom line: Take it Slow Support, Prepare, Train, Practice ©Asperger/Autism Network21

22. Resources Transportation/ Travel training/ Driving MBTA Department of System-Wide Accessibility MBTA System Orientation Training http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/accessible_services/default.asp?id=25947 http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/accessible_services/default.asp?id=25947 Ways2Go Travel Training Program traveltraining@scmtransportation.orgtraveltraining@scmtransportation.org The Ride http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/accessible_services/?id=7108http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/accessible_services/?id=7108 Easter Seals Project Action http://www.projectaction.org/training/TravelTraining.aspxhttp://www.projectaction.org/training/TravelTraining.aspx Upcoming Webinar on Driving (February 2016) : https://attendee.gototraining.com/327hl/catalog/4618140501300593920?tz=America/New_York https://attendee.gototraining.com/327hl/catalog/4618140501300593920?tz=America/New_York Money Management Bank of America has partnered with Khan academy for several on-line modules that are very good. https://www.bettermoneyhabits.com/khan-academy-partnership.html these are not specifically designed for adults with disabilities and may be a little challenging without a coach or parent to work with. I think they are great.https://www.bettermoneyhabits.com/khan-academy-partnership.html There may be a local option for you as well. Several banks have their own courses. I think Citizen’s Bank has a series, for example. You should check with your own bank to see if they have something. Apps-There are several budgeting tools available for purchase for iPhone or android. People like quicken, mint.com or You Need A Budget (YNAB) http://www.youneedabudget.com/tst/together. All of these are straightforward and supportive with feedback and alarms when things are not as expected. They may take some time to set up. There are several others profiled here: https://www.dailyworth.com/posts/2815-7-of-the-best-money-management-apps/1 and here: http://www.ourfreakingbudget.com/best-budgeting-apps-of-2015/mint.comhttp://www.youneedabudget.com/tst/together https://www.dailyworth.com/posts/2815-7-of-the-best-money-management-apps/1 http://www.ourfreakingbudget.com/best-budgeting-apps-of-2015/

23. About AANE 23 The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives. We do this by providing information, education, community, support, and advocacy, all in an atmosphere of validation and respect. AANE provides support and community to: Adults and their families Families of children and teens Educators and professionals Diverse leadership includes adults, family members and professionals Advocate for appropriate quality services for people with AS profiles.