Skills for Daily Living

Skills for Daily Living: Navigating with Confidence

Whether you are a parent or a neurodivergent adult, we will work together to build the skills and support you need for the best possible life.

Daily Living Skills Training

Personal care skills are the foundation upon which all other life skills are built. Managing one's own self and environment is essential to independent living, and I will help you with individualized strategies and practical skills training to overcome barriers.

• I will work with you and your family to break down daily hygiene into manageable bits that can transition into daily habits.
• We will collaborate to navigate your food aversions and identify healthy, enjoyable foods. We will coordinate with your nutritionist or doctor if you have dietary restrictions - such as for diabetes, allergies, or intolerances.
• Once we have figured out your personal food selections, I will work with you to find recipes and create meal plans. We will cook together as you learn how to make your favorite recipes. I will help you decipher nutrition labels, understand pricing so you get the best value when buying,  and manage food storage and safety.
• Staying active and getting exercise is essential to long-term physical and mental health. I will work with you to find ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily life - whether that is helping you select and gym and getting a membership, or just us walking together.

Independent Living

We will work together to navigate the choices for independent living so you can choose where and how you want to live. I can help you decide between living on your own or shared living options or supportive community living. I offer you practical guidance and assistance in making your living choice successful and rewarding.

• I will help you set up personal banking, and set up direct deposit of income and automatic payments for recurring expenses, as needed. We will explore financial literacy and how to build credit, so you are set up for long-term financial stability.
• We will work together to build a personalized budget that prioritizes your spending so that it meets your needs and still leaves space for your wants. We will explore together the ways you can buy things - in person, online with delivery, and via apps. I will help you figure out the best ways to manage planning for frequent purchases and routine expenses.
• I will assist you with identification and vital paperwork such as applying for a drivers license or state ID, ordering a copy of your birth certificate or social security card, or obtaining a passport. I will help you organize and safely store your personal documents as well as other essential paperwork like maintenance records and medical information.
• Transportation provides opportunities for community involvement. I can assist you in determining the most suitable transportation options for your situation—whether it's acquiring your driver's license and owning a car, utilizing public transit, or arranging for individual point-to-point transport. I can support you in preparing for your driving test, accompany you on the bus to familiarize you with schedules and fares, and help you connect with BadgerCare to set up non-emergency medical transportation.
• I'm here to help you navigate your healthcare journey. Whether you have questions about what to bring to your appointments, how to track your symptoms, or what topics to discuss with your providers, feel free to ask. We can also work on creating a list of your current medications and supplements to ensure your healthcare team has the information they need.
• I can help you build habits that protect your personal and digital safety, and can teach you to identify and avoid scams.
• Keeping your personal space clean and organized can make a big difference in your overall comfort and well-being. Let’s break it down into small, manageable tasks.

Interpersonal Skills

Interacting with other people can present unique challenges for people with neurodivergencies or disabilities. Together we can develop the understanding and social skills to allow you to comfortably and confidently interact with coworkers and supervisors, friends and family, and the general public.

• We will collaborate with your job coach to get you ready for the workplace, which includes choosing suitable clothing, learning the dos and don'ts of business communication, and grasping the expectations associated with the job.
• Through roleplay, we will practice various everyday social interactions and expectations to help you become more comfortable. We will focus on introductions, engaging in small talk, and determining the right time to share your interests and personal details.
• Together, we'll work on developing your ability to manage disagreements in a way that leads to positive results. You will learn how and when to express feelings of anger and disappointment constructively, as well as how to cultivate patience. Our sessions will also cover conflict resolution skills and their application.
• I will help you build the skills and confidence to advocate for yourself at work, within your family and social circle, while dealing with businesses, and when interacting with healthcare providers and service agencies. 

Build a Sensory Toolbox

We will work alongside your occupational therapist to implement your Sensory Diet Assessment into your everyday life. Together, we will create a personalized sensory toolbox to ensure that your environment is comfortable and your daily activities are easy to manage and low-stress..

• We will equip your sensory toolbox with specific items, activities, visuals, and strategies designed to support you effectively.
• As a parent of a neurodivergent child, it's important to have support in managing daily responsibilities. Coordinating caregivers and respite care can help alleviate some of the stress and prevent burnout, allowing you to maintain your mental and emotional well-being and be more present for your child. I can assist with organizing these resources.