Motivation for those with Autism

1. 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.”

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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