Keys to Motivation:

• Incentive

• Small rewards before achieving ultimate goal

• Reasonable amount of difficulty

• Clear choices between two paths

• Low levels of anxiety

• Curiosity

• Fun

• Simplicity and clear vision of the goal

• Feeling competent in the task

• Feeling safe and secure

• Patience

• Focus

• Clear understanding of the purpose

Motivation On the Autism Spectrum Jaclyn Hunt, MA, CAS

Importance of Motivation:

It is necessary for us to feel motivated in our lives in

order to accomplish important tasks that will lead us

to our desires in life. For those on the Autism

Spectrum it is often difficult to find that motivation.

Sometimes those on the Autism Spectrum find it

difficult to break down tasks into smaller achievable

elements. It is very difficult to organize thoughts in a

mind that is constantly working to make sense of the

world. Once this skill is taught, however, it makes

going after all of one’s dreams and desires much

easier.

Without motivation we only exist. I encourage my

clients to do more than just be. All of my clients, and

all those on the spectrum, must truly live. This is

very much attainable with the right tools to get you

there. My job is to show you how to get on the right

track and get you motivated to start making changes

immediately!

July, 2014 VOL #1 ISSUE #3

“Knowing is not enough, we must apply.”

There are ways to encourage the desire and motivation to change as well as

create an environment that is safe and conducive to the desired changes. My

job is to show families how to create that environment in the home and at

school as well as spark the desire for change in each and every family

member. When conditions are right, the person on the autism spectrum has a

clear choice whether or not they want to participate in the progress of the rest

of the family, or fall behind and miss out on the fun. In my experience, when

there is an obvious choice between two options with a clear and desirable

outcome, most people on the spectrum take the next step and choose one of

those possibilities.

Initially, the first thing that needs to be done is to eliminate all expectations

on the part of the parent and family. Second, a safe and criticism free

environment must be established. Next, an overabundance of patience and

understanding while the child is experimenting and buliding his or her

confidence. Finally, realize that the desired change may be too difficult and

may never be fully achieved to the parent’s or family’s preference, but it can

certainly be what I like to call “good enough.”

The goal to promote change in any person is accomplished by changing

everything else around that person and allow them to have a safe place to

assess the situation, figure out what they want from that situation, and to be

trusted enough to make the right choice. All choices are personal, and we all

have the right to choose what works for us.

Promoting Motivation and Change in your Autistic Child and in the Family Unit

“By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.”

Successful Parent/Child Interaction.

Effective Interactions.

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July, 2014 VOL #1 ISSUE #3

“Without hard work nothing grows but weeds.”

That “a ha!” moment when motivation strikes.

Realization

Wanting to Change

Assistance with Changing

Change

Maintenance

Method for Creating Motivation

For all those on the Autism Spectrum

Many on the Autism Spectrum go through life on autopilot. Sometimes parents or other family members take on many of the roles and duties for the child or adult so that they have very little stress or things to worry about in life. This is an act of love and caring, although it can be detrimental to the growth and future success of the child. If things are going smoothly and a parent or spouse suddenly asks for an immediate change it will certainly be unattainable to the person on the spectrum who is comfortable with the way things currently proceed. Anxiety and fear prevent them from even considering the change. However, if the need for change is presented in a different manner, a safe manner, you may just give the person on the spectrum the opportunity to realize that change is required all on their own. Realization can take days, weeks, or even years to occur depending on may factors. Once it is achieved the next step is actually having the desire to make that change. This can be a huge leap for someone with Autism. If the rewards of the change are great enough, and it feels safe and achievable to do so, the wanting to change begins to take hold. If the desire for change is cultivated and supported during this time then it is even more likely that the change can take place with the help of trusted friends and/or family. The most important thing a person on the spectrum needs is a plan. This can be very difficult to create on one’s own. The support system should focus on creating small goals that are challenging enough for the individual person’s talents. As they accomplish these small goals, confidence builds and the desire to do and achieve more begins to grow. Once enough small goals are completed and the desire to change is flourishing the change then spontaneously takes place. Once a change has occurred it needs to be maintained. It is very easy to slip into old habits or forget about all the work that went into the change in the first place. Frequent reminders and discussion about the change and future changes must take place daily. The ideal situation will be to make the act of changing the routine. If you are always changing that can become a safe and desirable routine all in itself. The ultimate goal for all of my clients is not only to help them change, but to make sure they continue to change and improve for the rest of their lives.

Provider Profile: Jaclyn Hunt MA, CAS

Certified Autism Specialist

Jaclyn is a Certified Autism Specialist and Life Coach that

specializes in Autism for all those who are affected by it.

In terms of adults on the Autism Spectrum, she works to get

them organized, motivated, socialized, and out into the

community. She assists in the successful navigation of social,

employment, and romantic relationships.

For parents of children and adults on the Autism Spectrum,

Jaclyn’s job is to assure them that they are on the right track,

steer them in the correct direction when dealing with their

children, and also helping them remain healthy by establishing

and maintaining their own identity separate from their children.

Spouses of adults on the Autism Spectrum often need guidance

and support in dealing with the emotional challenges and lack

of adequate emotional reciprocity by their partners. Jaclyn is

also skilled at bridging the communication gaps between

spouses in autistic relationships.

Adults on the Autism Spectrum have needs and requirements

that many professionals are unfamiliar with at this time.

Jaclyn’s goal is to spread knowledge and awareness about the

growing number of people enterning adulthood with an Autism

Spectrum Disorder.

Types of Clients:

• Adults on the Autism Spectrum

• Parents of Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum

• Spouses and Significant other of Adults on the Autism Spectrum

• Siblings, Grandparents, and other relatives of those on the Autism Spectrum

• Educators, Doctors, and other Professionals that work with those on the Autism Spectrum

• Anyone affected by Autism or other related Special Needs

Services Offered:

• Phone Sessions

• Skype Sessions

• In-person Sessions

• Email availability

• Speaking Engagements

• Workshops

• Educational Opportunities

• Group Sessions and Classes

• FREE! Initial Consultation by Phone!

Website: www.asnlifecoach.com Email: asnlifecoach@gmail.com Call: 732-675-6876