Self advocacy and autism

Developing skills like resilience, self-advocacy, and self-determination is crucial for autistic adults. 

These abilities greatly improve quality of life and help navigate everyday challenges. However, individuals with more profound autism may not be capable of self-advocacy and often rely on parents, carers, or guardians to advocate for their needs.

Self-advocacy is about speaking up for yourself to get what you want and need. It means making sure your needs and preferences are known to others. This is important for ensuring you have the same opportunities, rights, and choices as everyone else. Self-advocacy isn’t about giving others the answers they expect but expressing your true thoughts and feelings. It’s about standing up for yourself in various situations, whether it’s asking for help with a task, telling a waiter about your dietary preferences, or seeking support in different scenarios. Being informed about your rights, available options, and resources is crucial for effective self-advocacy, as it helps you confidently express your needs and wants.

Below, we explore what these terms mean, why they’re important, and how to build these essential skills.

The importance of self-advocacy and self-determination

Self-determination means making decisions about your own life based on your goals and preferences. It also involves clearly understanding your unique support needs and what strategies work best for you so you can make informed choices that enhance your independence and quality of life.

Self-determination can boost independence and confidence for autistic individuals. It involves recognising strengths and weaknesses, setting goals, and taking steps to achieve them. This helps you live a life that reflects your values and aspirations.

Self-advocacy and self-determination are important for several reasons:

• Empowerment: They help you take control of your life and make informed choices.
• Independence: They promote independence, allowing you to manage your own needs and desires.
• Confidence: They build confidence by giving you a sense of control and achievement.
• Equality: They ensure you have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Learning to self-advocate is best started at a young age. Parents and educators play a key role in teaching children to express their needs and preferences. For autistic children, parents often advocate on their behalf, which is important. However, including children in these discussions helps them develop their own self-advocacy skills, preparing them for adulthood.

For adults who have recently been diagnosed, learning to self-advocate involves understanding their diagnosis, becoming informed about their rights and available resources, and seeking guidance from support groups, therapists, or advocacy training programs. This can help them gain the confidence to express their needs and make informed decisions about their lives.

Building self-determination skills

Self-determination skills help you determine what you want and don’t want, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and understand what you need to succeed. These skills, combined with self-advocacy and self-awareness, allow you to communicate your needs and desires effectively.

Building resilience

Resilience is the ability to face and overcome challenges. It involves coping with unexpected changes, dealing with adversity, and enduring hardship. Many autistic individuals may struggle with resilience due to past negative experiences, low self-esteem, and a lack of coping strategies.

Building resilience involves knowing yourself and understanding your strengths and weaknesses. It also includes advocating for your needs and supports. Here are some practical ways to build resilience:

• Self-reflection: Take time to think about your experiences and identify what worked and what didn’t. This helps you learn how to handle future challenges.
• Seek support: Get help from trusted friends, family members, or psychologists who can guide you through difficult situations. Discussing what happened and exploring alternative approaches can provide new perspectives and coping strategies.
• Practice problem-solving: Develop problem-solving skills by tackling small challenges and gradually increasing complexity. This practice can build confidence and resilience over time.
• Develop coping strategies: Find and develop coping strategies that work for you, such as mindfulness techniques, physical activities, or creative outlets.
• Learn from experience: Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Use each experience to build resilience and improve your ability to handle future difficulties.

Building resilience and self-advocacy requires practical steps and ongoing effort. Here are some practical strategies:

• Set realistic goals: Establish clear, achievable goals that match your strengths and interests. Break these goals into smaller, manageable steps.
• Develop a support network: Surround yourself with supportive people who understand and respect your needs. They can provide encouragement, advice, and assistance.
• Communicate effectively: Practice clear and assertive communication. Express your needs and desires confidently and respectfully.
• Educate yourself: Stay informed about your rights, available resources, and strategies for self-advocacy. Knowledge is a powerful tool for empowerment.
• Embrace challenges: View challenges as opportunities for growth. Approach difficulties with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn from the experience.
• Celebrate successes: Recognise and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This can boost your confidence and motivation.

Self-advocacy, self-determination, and resilience are interconnected skills that contribute to a fulfilling and independent life. By embracing these concepts and taking practical steps to develop them, autistic individuals can achieve greater autonomy and wellbeing.