Goal Setting & Choice Making

Service Description

What is Self Determination? Being self-determined is about acting as the causal agent in one’s life. Causal agents have the skills and attitudes that enable them to make or cause things to happen in their lives (Shogren et al., 2015). Self-determination creates actions that lead to self-motivated and self-regulated actions to problem solve, make decisions, and set goals leading to increased independence. Teens become more self-determined as they identify their preferences, interests and begin thinking about what they desire their lives to look like. These skills are vital to establishing the abilities to problem solve, reflect, refine and not give up if obstacles arise. Teens all abilities need self-determination skills to support their full potentials and self-advocate for their futures (Shogren et al., 2015). Self-determination skills include: Choice making Decision making Problem solving Goal setting Planning Goal attainment Self-management Self-advocacy Self-awareness Self-knowledge Basically, self-determination builds independency, a growth mind-set to believe we can achieve our goals and confidence to voice our opinions, desires and aspirations. Self-determination skills matter and studies show that these skills make a huge difference in the lives of individuals living with Autism or I/DD. Research over the past 25 years has highlighted the impact that these skills have for students with and without a disability. In fact, these skills have been developed into an instructional guide called, The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) written by Dr. Shogren and colleges (2015). The SDLMI is designed to help parents, teachers and professionals support students in both academic (English, math) and non-academic (social, behavioral, transitional planning) areas to prepare students to be more effective at self-motivation and self-regulation as they identify and work towards their desired goals. How can self-determination skills help teens and adults with Autism or I/DD? SDLMI is an evidenced-based practice to help students set goals, problem solve, plan and evaluate progress. The SDLMI model is compiled of three phases with each phrase consisting of 12 questions to guide the learner to better understand their goals, what barriers may arise, and how they can overcome these barriers to get what they want. We all are all working for goals and self-determination skills help create resiliency by helping to overcome challenges.

Contact Details

• 370 N Louisiana Ave studio g2, Asheville, NC, USA

  828-423-0467

  eubanks.jodi@yahoo.com