Self-Sufficiency Tips for the Mentally Challenged Child or Adult

Sure, there are varying degrees of mental disabilities, and some mentally challenged people function fairly well whereas others struggle with even small issues. There are plenty of ways to make life easier on the latter, though, simply by following a few tips and techniques for making huge hurdles seem like small steps.

Just as with any other person, most mentally challenged kids grow and learn, to become adults that know a lot more than they did as a child. But, for mentally challenged kids and adults, some things can never be learned. Limit that list by starting early to teach the child helpful things for his future. If the child is already grown it's still not too late to show him some new tricks to make life easier.

First and foremost is a wallet, zip purse or another small item that the child will carry practically from birth. If he does this from infancy it will seem second nature to him later. The wallet - or what have you - should contain identifying information in case the child is ever lost. Limit the information to name, phone number(s), address, allergies, medications and pertinent information. Many mentally challenged kids cannot speak clearly - if at all - making the wallet or other holder a must. Clip the tiny wallet onto a back belt loop, sew a clear plastic pocket into the inside of his coat, or otherwise attach it to where the child cannot play with it or lose it.

Try to give your child an array of things to do, see and participate in as he grows. Lots of learning disabled kids grow to have fits if their patterns in life are broken. For example, if a child has cereal every morning, then his babysitter gives him toast instead, he's liable to have a fit and she'll never know what hit her. Teaching a child that days are different, furniture arrangements can vary, and that they don't always have to watch the same shows on tv can be a big help in producing a well-rounded adult.