Preface
The ability to live independently, maintain personal hygiene, navigate social environments, and contribute meaningfully to daily life are milestones every child is meant to achieve. These developmental benchmarks are supported by the essential life skills that form the foundation of a child's future autonomy and well-being. This book, Empowering Independence: Self-Care and Life Skills for Children and Youth, is a comprehensive guide designed for parents, caregivers, therapists, and educators who are committed to supporting children in their journey toward greater self-sufficiency.
In these pages, we explore both Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), covering the practical, social, and emotional skills children require for full participation in their home, school, and community environments. From dressing and grooming to managing money and preparing meals, each chapter delves into core competencies, offering evidence-based strategies, exercises, case studies, and solutions.
This book was inspired by the everyday challenges faced by children with developmental delays, sensory integration difficulties, and diverse learning needs. It serves as a resource to empower those who work with such children to foster skill acquisition in meaningful, individualized ways. Each skill is presented with a blend of theory and practice, promoting not only learning but also confidence and self-advocacy.
We believe that fostering independence is one of the greatest gifts we can offer a child. We hope this book becomes your go-to resource for guiding children toward living with dignity, resilience, and joy.
John B. Walugembe
Occupational Therapy Advocate & Educator

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About Introduction to
Psychology & Neuroscience
The foundation of this book is built upon Psychology 2e from
OpenStax. For a full overview of all content creators and
resources, see Psychology 2e Preface

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A simple PDF to track daily behavior incidents & successes with fields for time, context, antecedent, behavior, consequence.

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