Teaching your special needs child to be independent in his thinking and actions doesn’t have to be a daunting task; it can be a new chapter in your lives together. Preparing him for adult life is an adventure you can both share and an opportunity for you to teach your child about the journey into adulthood. As a parent, your first concern is his safety and wellbeing. It’s normal to nurture. However, there comes a time in your life when you are no longer able to provide some or all of your child’s daily needs. Preparing your special needs child for adult life is an important part of parenting. Guiding your child into adulthood according to his capabilities, requires a good game plan and a lot of preparation for his future life as an independent adult.
Necessity is the Mother of Invention
Deciding the extent of your child’s capabilities is the first step. Beginning with the basic premise, being self sufficient. Learning to groom himself, prepare simple meals, and function unaided in his daily routine will insure him a degree of freedom in independent living.
Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment for youths and caregivers provides a simple quiz that will guide you in learning your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
No Man is an Island
Although functioning independently is compulsory in unassisted living, it is important to find resources to aid your adult child with his daily life. Locating help with a job, transportation, and a trip to the market, are all aspects of functioning with a certain amount of assistance. If your adult child requires help in these areas, it is important to prepare for the eventuality. Seek out local groups that will volunteer time and transportation. Finding a good support group will enable him to meet new friends with similar challenges.
How Much is Enough?
When the time draws near for your special needs adult to consider independent living, it is important to find the degree of training required for his journey into autonomy. Consideration should be given to the level of independent living he is capable of. Should he live alone or in a group setting? Should extended care be an option? How much help are you as a parent, physically able to give? All these choices should hinge on the degree of his disability, the confidence he has in his own capabilities, and the amount of preparation made for his eventual transition to independent adult living.
Hope Floats
Encouraging your special needs child to learn basic kitchen skills, preparing a daily routine conducive to his lifestyle, learning job skills, and functioning within his realm of ability, will give him the encouragement he needs to become a self sufficient adult. Helping him realize his full potential will give him the confidence he needs.
A Goal is a Dream with a Deadline
Planning ahead for the eventuality of your special needs child’s adult life, will insure him a more secure future. Preparing him for his transition, with enthusiasm and positive reinforcement, will encourage him to work toward the goals you have set together for his future. As difficult as it is to let go, it is part of the parenting cycle; molding your little one into a productive and happy adult who has learned to overcome handicaps and prevail over his disabilities.