My 17 year old son is autistic (moderate/high functioning) and he has his own chores that he is responsible for each day. He feeds/fresh waters our cats, puts away dishes from the diswasher, puts the just washed clothes into the dryer & starts the dryer and when we clean the bathroom together – he cleans the tub: he uses a special scrubby thing which velcro’s onto a handle thingy (don’t know the actual name) and he loves to use it (and there are no sprays or liquids with harsh chemicals). He does not make an “allowence” because I wanted him to learn that there are chores that must be done just to live healthfully, but he does have the oppertunity to make some spending cash doing extra jobs – and he asks me for extra jobs to do just that! We always clean the bathroom together and other rooms, which fosters teamwork. I do assist him to rememeber where some of the dishes go – but Iet him try and remember on his own first.
I know my son has learned a ton of valueable lessons because he has had the responsibility of his own chores and also has teamed with me in other chores and projects, and acomplishing them with a great attitude. Nothing can be substituted for this lesson – nothing.

Thank you for a super smart article, pointing out that it’s so important not to just let kids veg in front of the TV or a video game. Get them involved, get them helping – they will reap big rewards for their future!