Helping Kids in Washington D.C. and Arlington Develop Real-World Skills for Everyday Success
At Skills on the Hill, our Skills for Life Training Program helps children, teens, and young adults gain independence in daily routines at home, school, and in the community. Our team of occupational therapists in Washington D.C. and Arlington can help with both activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which, together, comprise the everyday tasks that build toward lifelong independence. Services are offered 1:1 via direct/individual therapy sessions as well as in a group model. For more information about our groups, please visit our PROGRAMS page.
ADLs vs. IADLs: What’s the Difference?
Activities of daily living are basic self-care tasks, such as dressing, eating, toileting, grooming, and hygiene.
Instrumental activities of daily living are higher-level life management skills that support community and independent living, such as:
- Meal planning and preparation
- Home organization and cleaning
- Laundry and clothing care
- Money management and budgeting
- Time management and scheduling
- Shopping and community safety
- Technology use, including emails, reminders, and online organization
- Transportation and route planning
What To Expect From Skills on the Hill’s Skills for Life Program
An In-Depth Evaluation
The Skills On the Hill team starts with a life skills evaluation that includes the following:
- A comprehensive parent and client interview to identify priorities and challenges
- Observation of functional routines and task performance
- Standardized assessments to evaluate ADL/IADL readiness and executive functioning
- Collaboration with families to create a personalized treatment plan based on real-life goals
A Personalized Treatment Plan
We individualize each therapy plan in our Skills for Life Training Program. Treatment may include:
- Task Analysis and Chaining – Breaking tasks into clear, achievable steps
- Visual Supports – Checklists, picture sequences, and planners for structure and independence
- Cognitive Strategy Training – Teaching planning, problem-solving, and self-monitoring skills
- Real-World Practice – Practicing skills in natural settings, such as at home, in the kitchen, or out in the community
- Parent Coaching – Helping caregivers reinforce independence in everyday routines
- Executive Functioning Integration – Building working memory, planning, and flexible thinking alongside physical skill development
As children, teens, and young adults progress, our occupational therapists gradually fade supports and increase complexity to help them move from guided practice to independent mastery.
A Range of Positive Outcomes
- Improved independence with daily routines
- Better organization and time management
- Increased self-confidence and motivation
- Enhanced readiness for school, work, and community participation
- Reduced caregiver stress through consistent, sustainable progress
Empowering Independence for Every Age
Skills on the Hill’s Skills for Life Training Program supports a child’s development from early self-care through teenage and young-adult readiness for independent living. Schedule an appointment at our Washington D.C. or Arlington clinics today to learn how our occupational therapists can help your child gain meaningful, lifelong skills.
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