Independence Skills
Learn about how you can support your child's development of their independence skills, from dressing to personal hygiene to learning to use cutlery.
This five-part video series on Independence Skills focuses on dressing skills and learning to use cutlery. It was delivered by Enable Ireland's North Wicklow CDNT.
Video series
To turn on closed captions (subtitles) or read the transcript: When the video starts playing, if you are on a desktop, click the "CC" icon at the bottom of the video. If you are on a mobile device, then at the top of the video, tap "CC" to enable closed captions. To disable the closed captions, tap the "CC" icon again. Watch the video on its YouTube channel to see the transcript.
Accompanying text to these videos
The topics covered in these videos are also covered in the HSE's mychild.ie section on Children with disabilities.
Dressing skills
- Helping your child develop independence skills
- Teaching your child skills to dress themselves
- Adapting tasks to help your child dress themselves
- Learning how to do zips and buttons
Learning to use cutlery
Further information and resources
Booklet
- Waterford South City CDNT have created this booklet, Encouraging Independence - A guide for Parents/Caregivers/Teachers
Dressing
Eating
Hygiene
- Enable Ireland - Occupational Therapy Advice Sheet - Bathing/Showering
- Enable Ireland - Occupational Therapy Advice Sheet - Brushing Teeth
See also these two short videos talking about oral sensitivities for children and how to support their teeth-brushing.
Page last reviewed: 11 September 2026
Next review due: 11 September 2027