HOW MY MODERATE SUPPORT NEEDS SHOW UP IN MY DAILY LIFE (TEXT VERSION)
Before we get into this:
- This list is not solely about my autism, though autism is a major factor in many of these areas. My support needs are shaped by multiple disabilities, conditions, and life factors.
- Some of the things listed may be seen by society as embarrassing, gross, or socially unacceptable. I am sharing the reality of my daily functioning, not a sanitized or romanticized version of disability.
- Support needs can fluctuate. What I can do independently one day may be harder another day depending on pain, fatigue, stress, executive functioning, sensory issues, or other factors.
❤️ = has to be completed by someone else
🩵 = can do completely on my own
💜 = can do some parts but not others
BASIC ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (bADLs)
Haircare (appropriate for hair type/texture): 🧡
Choosing weather-appropriate clothing: 💚
Fastening (zippers, buttons, ties, buckles, shoelaces): 💙
Recognizing dirty vs clean clothes: 🧡/❤️
Changing clothes regularly: 💛
Dressing for occasion (school, work, events): 🧡
Preparing a plate/portioning food: 🧡/❤️
Drinking water/staying hydrated: 💚/🧡
Recognizing hunger cues: ❤️
Recognizing fullness cues: 💙
Maintaining hygiene after use: 🩵
Managing hygiene supplies (pads, wipes, etc.): 🧡
Recognizing need to go: 🩵/💚
Managing schedule for bathroom use: 💚
Hand hygiene after toileting: 🩵
Getting in/out of bed: 💚/🧡
Walking or using mobility aids: 🩵/💛
Navigating obstacles safely: 🧡
Stairs and uneven surfaces: 🧡
Balance and coordination in crowded spaces: 💛/🧡
Energy management for movement: 🧡/❤️
BASIC HEALTH & BODY REGULATION
Recognizing illness/symptoms: 🧡
Pain awareness/interpretation: 💚/🧡
Managing chronic symptoms: 🧡
Maintaining sleep schedule: 🧡
Going to bed independently: 💙
Waking up/responding to alarms: 🩵
Regulating overstimulation (noise, light, crowds): 🧡/❤️
Regulating under-stimulation (fatigue, shutdowns): 💛
INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (iADLs)
Cleaning & tidying up: 🧡/❤️/💜
Laundry (washing, folding, putting away): 💛/🧡
Basic repairs / upkeep: 🧡
Managing clutter and organization systems: 💜
Remembering household tasks: 🧡
Maintaining personal space hygiene: 💜
COOKING & FOOD MANAGEMENT
Preparing no-cook meals (cereal, snacks): 🩵
Preparing simple microwaveable meals: 🩵/💚
Preparing stovetop/simple recipes: 💚/💛
Preparing complex meals or recipes: 🧡
Using kitchen equipment safely: 💛
Food safety (expiration dates, storage): 💚/💛
Following recipes step-by-step: 💜
Understanding money value: 💛
Using debit/credit cards: 💛
Avoiding scams / risky purchases: 🩵/💛
Impulse spending control: 💛/🧡
Arranging transportation (rides, ride share, asking for rides): 🩵
Navigating public transit: 🧡
Reading schedules/routes: 💛
Transit safety awareness: 💛
Managing delays or changes in plans: 🧡
COMMUNICATION & SELF-ADVOCACY
Sending messages/emails: 🩵
Managing appointments: 💚/💛
Asking for help appropriately: 🧡
Self-advocacy (school/work/medical): 💙
Setting and maintaining boundaries: 💙/🧡
Explaining needs clearly (including AAC use): 🩵/💙
Repairing misunderstandings in communication: 💜/💙
Buying necessities (toiletries, clothing, etc.): 💚
Distinguishing needs vs wants: 💛/🧡
Comparing options before buying: 💚
Completing transactions (cash/card): 🩵
Handling returns/exchanges: 🩵/💛
MEDICAL & HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Taking medications on schedule: 🧡
Refilling prescriptions: 🧡
Scheduling appointments: 💛
Attending appointments independently: 💜
Describing symptoms to providers: 🩵/💚
Following treatment plans: 💛
Tracking symptoms over time: 💚/🧡
Recognizing unsafe situations: 💙
Emergency response (calling 911 or contacts): 🩵
Fire / evacuation awareness: 🩵
Stranger danger / trust boundaries: 🧡/💚
Online safety / digital risks: 🩵/💚
Using phone independently: 🩵
Using apps for daily life (calendar, reminders): 🩵
Managing passwords/logins: 💙
Screen time regulation: 💛/💙
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING / DAILY STRUCTURE
Switching between tasks: 🧡
Time awareness (being on time, estimating time): 🧡
Remembering daily routines: 💚
Dealing with task overwhelm or shutdown: 🧡/💛