How to Teach Daily Living Skills Through ABA
Daily living skills — like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or using the bathroom — are essential for independence. But for many children with autism, these skills don’t develop naturally. ABA therapy helps break them down into achievable steps using evidence-based strategies.
What Are Daily Living Skills?
Daily living skills (also called adaptive skills) include:
Personal hygiene (toothbrushing, bathing, grooming)
Dressing and undressing
Toileting
Meal preparation and feeding
Household chores
Safety awareness (crossing streets, using appliances)
Why These Skills Matter
Beyond meeting basic needs, these skills:
Increase independence
Reduce caregiver stress
Improve confidence and self-esteem
Support transitions to school or adulthood
How ABA Teaches These Skills
Task Analysis
Break the skill into small, teachable steps. For example:
Brushing teeth: turn on water → pick up toothbrush → apply toothpaste → brush top teeth → rinse, etc.
Prompting
Use verbal, gestural, or physical prompts to guide each step, then gradually fade them.Modeling
Demonstrate the task, then let your child imitate.Chaining
Teach steps in sequence, either starting from the beginning (forward chaining) or end (backward chaining).Reinforcement
Celebrate each success — whether it's completing the whole task or trying one step. Stickers, high-fives, or tokens work well.
When to Start
Start now. You don’t need to wait until a “certain age.” Begin with small routines — even toddlers can help put away toys or wash hands with assistance.
Parent Tips
Use visuals (like picture schedules in the bathroom)
Stick to a consistent routine
Give choices to build autonomy (“Do you want the red or blue shirt?”)
Stay patient — progress may take time