Empowering Neurodivergent Children: The Importance of Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy

TL:DR; Fostering self-determination and self-advocacy in neurodivergent children is essential for their growth and success. By creating supportive environments, encouraging decision-making, and teaching communication skills, we can help them navigate their worlds with confidence and clarity.

The Journey of Advocacy and Growth

Every parent wants their child to grow up confident, capable, and able to shape their own life. For neurodivergent children those whose brains think, learn, and process the world differently this can feel especially important and, at times, particularly challenging. As parents, we spend years advocating for our children. We meet with schools, request supports, and ensure their needs are met. This advocacy is vital. However, there comes a time when our children need to begin developing the skills to speak for themselves.

I was researching for my final project in my current Landmark course and learned that two of the most powerful skills a neurodivergent student can build for life post-school are self-determination and self-advocacy. Recent studies show just how strongly these abilities shape long-term success.

Understanding Self-Determination

Self-determination is about helping a neurodivergent child understand who they are, what they need, and what they want from life. It involves giving the child real opportunities to set goals, make decisions, learn from mistakes, and adjust plans along the way. This way, they can act with purpose in their own life.

Research indicates that many young people with disabilities have fewer chances to practice self-determination skills than they need. Developing these skills is linked with greater independence and confidence in school and beyond. When we help a child reflect on their strengths and challenges, we enable them to think ahead and feel like active participants in decision-making. This helps them feel in control of their life rather than just responding to what others decide for them.

The Role of Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is how self-determination skills manifest in everyday life. It is the ability to communicate needs clearly, ask for accommodations, and explain what works best. A child who knows something about themselves. For example, what helps them learn, what feels overwhelming, and what kinds of supports make things fair, can better communicate all of that to others.

Studies from recent years show that when autistic young adults practice self-advocacy, particularly during the transition to post-secondary education or employment, they become more confident. They are better able to manage relationships with instructors, employers, and service providers.

The Connection Between Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy

The two skills are deeply connected. A neurodivergent student cannot advocate effectively unless they understand themselves. Conversely, they cannot become truly self-determined unless they practice using their voice. A neurodivergent child who understands their strengths, challenges, preferences, and goals is better equipped to speak up for supports that help them thrive. Practicing self-advocacy helps build the confidence and real-world experience that fuel stronger self-determination.

When families and schools work together to nurture these skills in safe, respectful ways, we move from simply protecting our children to empowering them. We help them grow into adults who can participate fully in decisions about their own lives, manage supports, and shape their futures with confidence.

A child pointing a a calendar on a wall and sitting at a desk. An adult sits opposite them, offering support.

If you ever wonder whether it’s “worth it” to push for independence and voice, the answer from recent research is yes. These skills don’t just help our kids survive the transition to adulthood; they help them thrive.

Practical Strategies for Encouraging Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy

Create a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment is crucial for fostering self-determination and self-advocacy. This means providing a safe space where children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Encourage open dialogue about their experiences and needs. Validate their feelings and help them articulate their thoughts.

Set Goals Together

Setting goals together can empower children. Involve them in the goal-setting process. Ask them what they want to achieve and how they envision their future. This collaboration fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for their own lives.

Encourage Decision-Making

Encourage your child to make decisions, even small ones. This could be as simple as choosing their outfit for the day or deciding what snack to have. Gradually increase the complexity of the decisions as they become more comfortable. This practice builds their confidence and helps them understand the consequences of their choices.

Teach Communication Skills

Teaching effective communication skills is vital for self-advocacy. Role-play different scenarios where they might need to express their needs. This could include asking for help in school or discussing their preferences with a teacher. Practice makes perfect, and these skills will serve them well in various situations.

Celebrate Progress

Celebrate every step of progress, no matter how small. Recognizing achievements boosts self-esteem and reinforces the importance of self-advocacy and self-determination. Acknowledge their efforts and encourage them to keep striving for their goals.

Research You Can Follow

For those interested in exploring more about self-advocacy and self-determination, here are some valuable resources:

• Martino, D. C., Brantley, A., & Scarpa, A. (2025). The role of self-advocacy and self-determination in positive adjustment for autistic adolescents and young adults: A mini-review. Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Read more here.

  
  

• Ye, K., & McCoy, S. (2024). Examining the post-school decision-making and self-determination of disabled young adults in Ireland. Disabilities, 4(3). Read more here.