How are budgeting and simple saving taught as autism daily living skills?Â
Learning how to budget and save money can be an important part of developing independence for autistic people. According to NHS guidance, daily living skills, including managing money, often require structured teaching, step-by-step learning, and practical experience to build confidence.
Teaching approaches that work
Budgeting and saving are most effective when taught gradually. Stepwise learning starts with basic money concepts like recognising coins and making small purchases before moving to budgeting and saving goals. Visual supports such as colour-coded charts or spending trackers help make abstract ideas more concrete.
The National Autistic Society advises using visual budgets, real-life practice (like planning shopping trips), and clear, repetitive instruction to develop confidence. Many people benefit from financial literacy apps or games designed for autistic learners, which make budgeting more engaging and less overwhelming.
In schools, social care, and supported living settings, money management is often built into broader life-skills programmes. The NICE guideline for adults (CG142) and for children and young people (CG170) recommend that care plans include help with budgeting and independent living skills, adapted to the person’s communication style and executive functioning needs.
Barriers and how to overcome them
Many autistic people experience challenges with executive functioning, numeracy, or anxiety around financial decisions. According to NICE and NHS England, consistent routines and visual aids help reduce uncertainty, while community-based supports, such as personal health budgets, can promote autonomy and choice in managing finances.
Peer-reviewed studies also highlight that hands-on financial learning and supportive coaching reduce anxiety and improve decision-making confidence. This approach is echoed in educational and social care frameworks promoting multi-agency collaboration between families, schools, and healthcare teams.
Practical supports and behavioural strategies
Simple techniques such as budget planners, illustrated saving charts, and practice transactions can make budgeting more accessible. For ongoing behavioural support, services like Theara Change are developing therapy and coaching programmes that help autistic people build executive functioning and emotional regulation skills, both essential for managing daily money decisions.
Key takeaway
Budgeting and saving are vital life skills for autistic people, but they need to be taught in structured, visual, and personalised ways. NICE and NHS guidance stress the importance of patient-centred, routine-based teaching supported by coaching and community resources. With the right structure and support, financial independence becomes both achievable and empowering.
