FOOD & COOKING

Start with one meal they can own.

Cooking independence can mean making dinner alone—or participating in one useful part of the process with support.

Choose one meal

Pick one breakfast, lunch or snack the person actually wants to make.

Make the steps visible

Use a written, photo or picture recipe. Keep it short.

Set up the environment

Put ingredients and tools where they are easy to find. Reduce unnecessary choices.

Practice one safety skill

Microwave, toaster, knife, stove or food-storage safety depending on the person's current level.

Build the shopping loop

Add ingredients to a list, find them in a store or order them online.

Repeat before adding complexity

Confidence often comes from doing the same useful task many times—not constantly introducing new recipes.

Adapt for motor, sensory, cognitive, medical and safety needs. The goal is useful participation and choice, not performing a task without support at any cost.