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“Enrichment beyond the classroom”
CALL US: 012-831 2017
Adaptive Supports
Adaptive Supports are the practical skills and strategies that help children with special needs thrive in everyday environments. At Caterpillar Care Centre, our Adaptive Supports Program bridges therapy with real-life application, enabling children to gain independence at home, in school, and in the community.
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This program is grounded in functional life skills training, occupational therapy practices, and special education strategies, ensuring children not only learn but also apply skills meaningfully.
Program Objectives
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Promote Independence – helping children manage daily routines (self-care, hygiene, eating).
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Enhance Communication & Understanding – using visual supports, AAC (augmentative communication), and structured prompts.
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Improve Safety Awareness – teaching boundaries, road safety, and home safety rules.
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Build Life Skills – money handling, shopping, cooking basics, and organization.
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Strengthen Community Participation – engaging in outings, public transport, and social rules.
​Key Focus Areas
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Daily Living Skills: Dressing, brushing teeth, eating independently.
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Visual & Adaptive Tools: Picture schedules, task cards, timers, social scripts.
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Communication Supports: PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), AAC devices.
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Functional Academics: Counting money, telling time, following routines.
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Safety & Community Skills: Crossing roads, grocery shopping, interacting with shopkeepers.
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Self-Advocacy: Teaching children to ask for help and express needs.
Structure of the Program
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Assessment: Individualized adaptive functioning evaluation (based on Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales framework).
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1:1 Skills Training: Focused sessions tailored to each child’s goals.
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Group Practice: Peer-based activities to generalize skills.
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Community Outings: Real-life practice in malls, supermarkets, playgrounds.
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Parent Coaching: Tools and strategies for home carryover.
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Progress Reviews: Monthly updates, adaptive goals re-assessed every 3 months.
Success & Impact
Children in the Adaptive Supports Program typically show:
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Increased independence in daily routines.
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Greater participation in family and community activities.
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Improved communication using supports.
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Higher confidence and reduced dependence on adults.
Example: A child who once needed full support with eating may progress to using cutlery independently, or a child who was unable to follow routines may learn to manage a daily schedule using visuals.
