Individuals with autism may benefit from a thorough functional skills assessment to determine the best course of therapy and a narrower focus area. The Assessment of Functional Living Skills is a tool that examines development in certain key areas and several different settings. By having individuals with autism complete the AFLS assessment, providers can better develop behavior plans that lead to more independence, easier learning, new activities, and more positive outcomes.
Functional Skills Assessment Areas of Study
The AFLS assessment evaluates skills in specific areas with the goal of helping individuals with autism reach as much independence and opportunity as possible.
Basic Living
The assessment in this category covers everyday skills that foster independence and hygiene. Examples include getting dressed, toileting, bathing, basic communication, making decisions about daily routines, getting ready for bed, and health and safety basics.
Home Life Skills
Individuals with autism live in a variety of settings, from mostly independent living with roommates to a full-care supported facility. Regardless of the setting, skill levels concerning home life skills can be evaluated using the AFLS. Examples of home life skills include housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, operating appliances, basic household mechanics, and other related tasks.
Community Involvement and Participation
Beyond the skills needed to be productive and independent in a home setting, the AFLS also studies how well the person navigates through and interacts with the surrounding community. Awareness of traffic lights, sidewalks, street signs, traffic, and patrons are all important parts of community participation independence. Those who score well on this assessment can often shop in grocery or retail stores, handle money, manage time while shopping, keep appointments, and operate a phone satisfactorily.
School
AFLS studies for school settings have little to do with academics and more to do with the person’s ability to participate in classroom routines and requirements. This assessment analyzes skills from all levels of education, from elementary through college-level. Social skills and cognitive abilities as a student are both important aspects of school success. Mastering technology also allows learners to participate in the curriculum in the classroom.
Vocational
If an individual with autism is seeking employment, a vocational skill AFLS can be completed to determine what types and levels of employment are possible. Participating in an interview, performing a job search, utilizing workplace safety protocol, and understanding payment are all basic skills helpful to the transition. The assessment also can identify potential fields of work. Areas of evaluation include hospitality, restaurant work, office skills, technology, landscaping, construction, and retail.
Independent Living
Individuals transitioning to a more independent living setting can be assessed through AFLS. This is a deeper evaluation than a home life skills assessment and involves time and money management, interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and self-care.
AFLS Assessment at the Applied Behavioral Science Institution
To schedule an essentials for living assessment or learn more about the process, contact Applied Behavioral Science Institution.
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