Basic Self-Care
One of the most basic of living skills is personal self-care. Self-care is a priority regardless of living arrangement: family home, group home, or independent apartment. Teach basic self-care at the youngest age possible. Increase your expectations as your child grows in skill and maturity.
Hygiene
Teach hand washing before meals, after using the bathroom, before and after preparing food, after using cleaners or other chemicals (such as car oil, gas, pesticides, paints), and any time the hands are just plain dirty. If this habit begins when your child is very young, it will continue consistently throughout adulthood.
A bathing and shampooing routine should also be taught. If needed, make a chart for your child to check off each hygiene task as it is done. Young girls should also be taught about feminine hygiene as they approach the tween years.
Dental
Dental care began even before your child's birth as his teeth formed from his mother's calcium-rich diet. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends “brushing” your baby's gums with water and a soft infant toothbrush. As your baby gets his first teeth, take care to clean them using an infant toothpaste.
Begin semi-independent dental hygiene routines as soon as your child has the motor coordination to brush. Follow up with a more thorough brushing as needed.
Essential
It is not uncommon for a child with special needs to resist sitting in a chair and letting someone examine his mouth. Check with the nearest children's hospital for a list of dentists who are experienced in working with children or adults with special needs. In some cases, the child may be sedated so that needed work can be completed.
As your child grows and becomes more independent, he may use his own personal calendar. Help him mark the next dental visit by writing the dentist's name and time. You may also add a small tooth drawing or sticker to the date.
Dental checkups are important for lifelong dental care. Most dentists suggest visits twice a year.
Medical
Most teens and young adults should be taught basic medical skills:
How to take his temperature with a digital thermometer
How to read the guidelines for taking an over-the-counter pain reliever
How to recognize a rash that needs medical attention
Use of sunscreen and treatment of sunburn
Treatment of minor cuts and burns
How to recognize when a cut or burn requires medical attention
Basic treatment of common illnesses (colds and flu)
Understanding that medical attention should be sought if in severe pain
Contacting 9-1-1 in extreme emergency
His cognitive and motor ability will often dictate if your child is ready to assume these responsibilities.
Grooming
Grooming habits impact appearance and, in many cases, overall health. Use a checklist like the following to promote a daily routine:
GROOMING CHECKLIST—NIGHT
Select clean clothing for the next day.
Check clothing for tears or missing buttons.
Iron clothing if wrinkled.
Check shoes for dirt or mud.
Clean shoes if needed.
Put on pajamas.
Brush and floss teeth.
Eat breakfast.
Brush and floss teeth.
Wash face and hands.
Comb or brush hair.
Get dressed.
Sports
Bowling
Exercise classes
Activity classes (dance, judo, gymnastics)
Walking
Running
Bicycling
Horseback riding (supervised)
Swimming (supervised)
GROOMING CHECKLIST—MORNING
A small checklist can be taped on the adult child's mirror or inside a calendar for quick reference.
Exercise
Help your child establish exercise habits he can follow throughout his life based on his interests and physical ability. Exercise programs may include:
GROUP EXERCISE
INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE
Your child does not have to compete on a team, but a blend of activity with others and individual exercise is one way to stay on a healthful track. It is human nature to drift away from an exercise schedule that does not include the encouragement of other participants or trainers. A weekly schedule of two to three exercise activities is optimum.
