Chapter 10 - Promoting Self-Care Skills

Abstract

The overall goal of obtaining self-care skills extends beyond maintaining basic life functions and securing independence. A focus on personal development, personal aspirations, and empowerment has replaced the individual deficit view that once served as the central paradigm guiding assessment and intervention for persons with disabilities. Self-care adaptive skills are assessed on the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II across age ranges (0–89 years) and across forms. The development of self-care skills is often contingent upon motor skills, self control, social understanding, and cognitive skills. Demonstration of self-care skills also can be contingent on attitudinal and motivational factors. The heterogeneity of strengths and deficits among persons with various disabilities, and even among those with similar disabilities, creates a plethora of conditions that impact development, performance, and maintenance of self-care skills.