Today Andrew answers: I am working with a family that struggles to motivate their son to practice the application of new skills. Any advice on how to discuss the importance of things or improve motivation? This kiddo is highly intelligent and strong-willed.
Hi! I’m Andrew from Generation Mindful's newest recurring weekly feature, Ask Andrew. In Ask Andrew, I’ll be taking any and all questions regarding the autism spectrum with particular emphasis on childhood development as an authentic autistic adult. Let’s get started!
For our eighth Q and A, you can watch the video and/or read my response below.
Thank you so much for your question, Meagan! I have a lot of respect for people in your profession. The best strategy I can think of is creating a regular schedule for your client to gently encourage their new skills. And as for discussing the significance of certain life events or activities, having the family hold weekly meetings could be incredibly fruitful.
For instance, my family tends to function best around having a flexible but firm schedule. Keeping a calendar in an open area so we can make our four individual responsibilities and desires come together has served me particularly well into adulthood, as I am a notorious planner. Whenever I want to get together with my friends or family, I’m the first one to propose ideas for what to do, what time we should get together, where we should go, etc.
And if all else fails, find the currency. I’m not suggesting bribery, what I mean is set the finish line to motivate work ethic. If you practice your clarinet for an hour, you get to play video games. When summer comes around, I’m getting you a SnuggleBuddies character of your choice. Master the currency, you master the kingdom.
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