Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Absolutely. Chores and special interests in Autism can be cleverly combined to create more meaningful and enjoyable responsibilities at home. When daily jobs are framed around a child’s specific interests like sorting toys by theme, organising books, or helping with pet care, they become less about routine and more about connection.
Rather than forcing generic responsibilities, aligning chores and special interests in Autism helps build motivation and skill. For example, a child fascinated by trains may enjoy lining up shoes or helping arrange groceries in a row. Someone who loves numbers might take on laundry by counting items or tracking wash cycles.
How It Helps
Making chores interest-driven can boost life skills while reducing resistance:
Customised Engagement
Incorporating visual themes, favourite colours, or counting elements into tasks.
Skill-Building Through Passion
Using a focused interest to strengthen fine motor control, planning, or sequencing.
Routines with Meaning
Creating job charts or reward systems that reflect the child’s world.
Increased Ownership
Feeling capable and included fosters a sense of independence.
This personalised approach is especially helpful when trying to build responsibility and reduce power struggles. What looks like play can often be a purposeful activity when linked to a strong area of interest.
Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations on crafting home routines that work.
For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Special Interests and Intense Focus.
Beatrice Holloway, MSc
Author
Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.
All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.
All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.Â
