Children naturally strive for independence as they grow. Occupational therapists focus on self-care skills, known as activities of daily living (ADLs). These skills encompass tasks like brushing teeth, dressing, bathing, grooming, self-feeding, and toileting.
Key factors in developing self-care skills include executive functioning skills, fine motor skills, language, sensory processing, coordination, and motor planning. Children develop these skills at their own pace, and early intervention is vital if issues arise.
Milestones for self-care skills include:
6-12 months
- Drinking from a cup
- Holding a bottle or cup independently
- Using tongue to move food around mouth
- Feeding self small crackers or other small pieces of food
1-2 years
- Settling themselves to sleep at night or during the day
- Attempting to brush teeth
- Removing own socks
- Cooperating with dressing by extending an arm or leg
2-3 years
- Using toilet with assistance and having daytime control
- Attempting to manipulate large buttons
- Distinguishing between urination and bowel movements, and names them correctly
- Using a napkin to wipe face and hands
- Feeding self simple meals using a fork or spoon
- Taking socks and shoes off
3-4 years
- Unbuttoning and buttoning large buttons
- Feeding self without difficulty
- Tolerating different clothing textures, seams, tags etc
- Toileting independently
- Brushing teeth independently or with supervision only
- Dressing and undressing self (only requiring assistance with laces, buttons, and other fasteners in awkward places)
4-5 years
- Choosing weather appropriate clothes
- Dressing self independently
- Attempting to bathe and groom with supervision only
5-6 years
- Dressing independently
- Able to manage morning and night time routine with supervision only
- Settling independently for sleep
- Able to manipulate more difficult fasteners and tie shoes
6-7 years
- Showering or taking a bath independently
- Independently toileting during the day and at night
- Preparing simple meals (i.e. cereal)
- Independent grooming (combing hair, brushing teeth, flossing)
7-8 years
- Showering independently
- Taking on more responsibilities (i.e. chores)
- Preparing simple meals and helping with more complex meals (i.e. making a sandwich, using the microwave, spreading condiments, pouring from a larger container into a cup)
- Interest in taking on more complex grooming tasks – nail cutting, tolerating hair cuts, styling hair
Occupational therapists can help by establishing routines, improving fine motor skills, addressing sensory sensitivities, adapting tools, enhancing executive functioning, and providing caregiver training.
Root Pediatrics offers expert occupational therapy for children with self-care difficulties. We focus on making therapy engaging, age-appropriate, and evidence-based to support your child’s development and independence. Request an appointment today!