When young ones are ready to launch, there are a multitude of life skills to be mastered.  Launching may mean going to college or getting a job.  Launching may mean getting an apartment.  Regardless, there are many skills involved, all requiring teaching, planning, comprehension, and language.  The following list came from a keynote address given by Dr. Peter Gerhardt at an ABA Conference.  It’s a great list, including 27 steps involved in proceeding through one single day … and we could add even more!

• Wake to alarm clock
• Morning routine:  shower, dress, hygiene
• Coffee / Breakfast
• Remember keys / lock door
• Get to work somehow
• Follow verbal / written prompts
• Use restroom
• Take a break
• Purchase and eat lunch
• Fix mistakes
• Ask for help
• Use computer / smart phone
• Get home somehow
• Get the mail
• Unlock the door
• Change out of work clothes
• Get something to eat
• Activities for daily living
• Prepare dinner and eat
• Clean up / use the dishwasher
• Go on-line
• Homework / office work
• Shower
• Prep for bed including medications
• Review next day schedule / make lunch
• Set alarm clock
• Sleep