Cooking is a vital life skill that supports independence, confidence, and overall well-being for autistic young adults. It helps build essential daily living skills while fostering a sense of achievement and self-sufficiency. Our team recently had some training with Michael, the founder of Empower to Cook, so that they can teaching our members how to cook. You can see a video at the end of this post. But why is learning to cook so important?
Promotes Independence & Daily Living Skills
Learning to cook empowers autistic young adults by giving them the ability to prepare meals for themselves, reducing their reliance on caregivers. It helps them develop confidence in essential tasks such as meal planning, grocery shopping, and following instructions. These skills contribute to their ability to live independently and manage their daily routines with greater ease.
Encourages Routine & Predictability
Many autistic individuals thrive on structure and consistency. Cooking provides a step-by-step process that can be followed repeatedly, creating a reliable routine that reduces anxiety. Preparing meals at set times each day helps establish predictability, which can provide comfort and a sense of stability.
Supports Sensory Exploration & Tolerance
Cooking involves exposure to different textures, smells, tastes, and sounds. Engaging in meal preparation in a familiar and controlled environment allows autistic young adults to explore new sensory experiences at their own pace. Over time, this can help them become more comfortable with a wider variety of foods, improving their dietary choices and flexibility.
Develops Executive Functioning & Problem-Solving Skills
Cooking requires planning, sequencing, time management, and decision-making. Following a recipe step by step helps to strengthen executive functioning skills, such as organising tasks and maintaining focus. Cooking also presents problem-solving opportunities, such as adjusting a recipe when an ingredient is missing or managing cooking times, which can enhance cognitive flexibility.
Encourages Healthy Eating & Well-being
Gaining the ability to cook nutritious meals allows autistic young adults to have greater control over their diet. Many rely on processed foods or takeaways due to limited food preferences, but learning to cook can introduce them to healthier alternatives in a comfortable and non-pressured way. This helps to build a balanced diet and supports long-term well-being.
Builds Confidence & Social Skills
Cooking fosters a sense of achievement and boosts self-esteem. Successfully preparing a meal, whether simple or complex, reinforces the idea that they can accomplish daily tasks independently. Cooking can also be a social activity, providing opportunities to develop communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to share responsibilities when preparing meals with family, friends, or support workers.
Supports Employment & Life Opportunities
Cooking is not just a useful life skill but also a pathway to employment and further opportunities. Many young autistic adults find work placements or jobs in hospitality, food preparation, or catering roles, where structured routines and repetitive tasks can be a good fit. Cooking also helps develop responsibility and resilience, both of which are valuable for work readiness and personal growth.
Final Thought
For autistic young adults, learning to cook is more than just a necessary skill—it is a gateway to greater independence, confidence, and a healthier lifestyle. With the right support, such as visual guides, structured steps, and routine-based cooking sessions, it can become an enjoyable and empowering experience that enhances daily living and future opportunities.
