By Jessica Jordan, MS, OTR/L

What do we mean by self determination?

Self-determination refers to the ability of individuals to control their own lives, plan and reach their goals, and self-advocate for themselves. Self determination is a fundamental human right. We as human beings should be in control of our lives, free from undue external control.

How does self determination relate to neurodivergent individuals?

Neurodivergent individuals typically have decreased self determination because their opinion is not always considered.

Approximately 50-60% of autistic individuals lack an appropriate educational program. 75% cannot find lucrative employment after high school. Self-determination is an important factor in high quality transition services for autistic adults.

It is alarming the statistics are as high as they are!

What is the self determination theory?

Edward L. Deci & Richard M. Ryan share when speaking of Self Determination Theory (SDT), human beings have 3 basic psychological needs: competence, autonomy, relatedness.

What is our role in helping to promote competence, autonomy, & relatedness?

Model goal setting (short and long term goals) and problem solving skills. This step would also encourage individuals to participate in a strength assessment (if necessary).
Teach & scaffold daily living skills with adaptations as needed. Consult and collaborate with skilled providers such as an OT to assist with identifying and advocating for resources.
Presume competence as a family member, support staff provider or friend. Assist an individual with evaluating progress towards a goal and praise that progress.
Provide choice making opportunities. Everyone needs help making decisions at times, however needing help isn’t a good reason to take away someone’s choices. Even if an individual needs help, they still have the right to make their own choices through various forms of communication!
Consider individual preferences & ensure that goals align with interests. Interventions to promote self-determination should be personalized by strengths, interests and supports.

Local to San Diego or California? Learn more about the Self-Determination Program through Regional Center…

San Diego Regional Center offers programming called "Self-Determination Program", where individuals and their families can do all that we mentioned in previous slides.

There are many resources and faciliators that can help you and/or your loved one on their journey to being involded in things they enjoy and that meaningful to them!

Learn more at: www.sdrc.org/sdp

References

Baard, P. P., Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2004). Intrinsic need satisfaction: A motivational basis of performance and well-being in two work settings. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 34(10), 2045–2068. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.2004.tb02690.x

Boren, R. (2022, July 30). Self-determination theory. Stimpunks Foundation. https://stimpunks.org/glossary/self-determination-theory/

Dickerson, L. (2021, April). Supporting Self-Determination (Autism at- a-Glance Brief). Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, CSESA Development Team

Goldfarb, Y., Golan, O. & Gal, E. A Self-Determination Theory Approach to Work Motivation of Autistic Adults: A Qualitative Exploratory Study. J Autism Dev Disord 53, 1529–1542 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05185-4