Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
ADLs are are basic activities that everyone perform as part of their daily living. This can include things like brushing your teeth, eating food or getting dressed. Common ADLs of children include:
- Dressing
- Feeding
- Grooming
- Toileting
- School skills
- Play
ADL Milstones Examples:
| 1-2 Years | Removes own shoes and socks Attempting to brush teeth Cooperates with dressing (extends arm of leg) Parallel Play |
| 2-3 Years | Unbuttons large buttons Imaginative play Uses a fork and spoon Uses toilet with assistance |
| 3-4 Years | Toilet’s independently Buttons large buttons Pull down pants Unzips zippers Plays with 2 to 3 children in a group |
| 4-5 Years | Develops friendships Zips jacket Identifies front and back of clothing |
| 5-6 Years | Dresses alone Ties and unties knots |
| 6-7 Years | Ties shoes |
Click here for ADL activity examples!