Goal Setting

6 Strategies for Setting Realistic Expectations for Neurodivergent Teens

Unrealistically high, low, and unclear expectations set learners up for disappointment. Over time, unattainable expectations can chip away at self-esteem and increase stress for neurodivergent learners, who already face higher stress on average. Learning how to find the “sweet spot” between challenging and achievable work is essential for well-being and long-term growth. This article will … read more

Executive Functioning, Behaviors, Building Independence, Career Planning, Goal Setting

From School to Home: How to Promote Generalization of Executive Functioning Skills

How many times have you encountered a scenario like this with your neurodivergent learner—whether they’re a child, teen, college student, or adult? You and your learner have worked for hours on teaching an executive functioning skill in the classroom–let’s say, using a visual timer for homework sessions. Your learner—whether a student or an adult—has steadily … read more

Self-Determination, Behaviors, Building Independence, Goal Setting, Neurodivergent Experiences

The Difference Between Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation: Parent Guide

Here at Life Skills Advocate, we spend a lot of time thinking about goals and motivation. There’s a lot of misguided, mentalistic, and frankly–not at all helpful–information available to parents and educators about motivation, especially the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. To better understand these concepts, it’s essential to look at the classic definitions … read more

Executive Functioning, EF 101 Series, EF Apps & Tools, EF Assessment, EF Coaching, Goal Setting

The Ultimate Guide to Executive Function Coaching

Did you know that the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for executive functioning, is also known as the “CEO of the brain”? Unfortunately, some of us have a prefrontal cortex that could use some support with running the company efficiently. This is especially true for neurodivergent individuals, who may experience differences in … read more

Household, Building Independence, Goal Setting

3 Ways SMART Goals Can Improve Your Meal Prep Skills

If you are new to cooking, the process of creating meals can seem very challenging. Walk into any kitchen, and it’s sort of like entering a new country where you might not understand the language, culture, or exactly how things work. That can be a bit intimidating, right? The process of choosing recipes, planning meals, … read more

Goal Setting, Seasonal

Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail and How Executive Functioning Skills Can Help

The ball has just dropped in New York City, confetti is flying around the room, and glasses are being toasted. It’s the New Year and it’s a new me. This year I vow to become healthier, travel to Europe and Asia, get the job promotion, and get that puppy. Do any of those resolutions sound … read more

Safety, Building Independence, Goal Setting

How To Help Your Learner Develop Goals About Safety

Bullying. Stranger safety. Wandering. Personal safety and abuse prevention. Children, teens, and young adults with diverse learning needs face many safety concerns, regardless of their unique abilities. Parents and educators repeatedly report issues with safety as some of their top priorities–and biggest fears for their learner’s well-being. It’s why continuing to teach safety skills is … read more

Physical Health, Building Independence, Goal Setting

How To Help Your Teen Develop Goals About Their Health

It wasn’t long ago that a parent of a teen client came to us and asked about goals for their teen’s health. The parent expressed concerns about their teen’s low motivation to eat a healthy diet and do any physical activity. After trying several strategies without much progress, the family decided to pursue some extra … read more

Building Independence, Goal Setting

How To Use SMART Goal Setting to Teach Daily Living Skills

Wouldn’t it be nice if our children and students showed up self-motivated, dedicated, and ready to learn all the daily living skills (DLS) required for transitioning to adulthood? Unfortunately, while pleasant to think about, not at all likely to happen. Helping our teens with unique learning needs navigate the journey toward young adulthood isn’t easy. … read more

Behaviors, Executive Functioning, Goal Setting

The Myths of Motivation: Understanding Teen Motivation

In the world of behavior analysis, understanding the function, or ‘why,’ a behavior occurs is critical to how we help teens and young adults make meaningful changes and achieve BIG goals. Many times, we hear parents and teachers get caught up in myths of motivation and behavior that really don’t help their teen succeed. Over … read more