Setting and Pursuing Self-Determined Goals

Setting and Pursuing Self-Determined Goals

We have developed a multimedia Toolkit to assist adults on the autism spectrum, and those who support them, in setting and pursuing self-determined goals. This work is supported by the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Malow's work is also supported by an endowment from Dr. and Mrs. Michael Burry.

The Toolkit is available at no charge, in PDF form here

An interactive multimedia course is also available on our learning platform. 

These tools are free, but you must register and login to download them using the instructions below. If you already have an online learning account with TRIAD, login here.

How do I register and create a free account?

  1. Go to triad.vkclearning.org
  2. Create a free account by clicking on “Register.”  You will create a username and password. Fill out the form.
    • Select “TRIAD” under the doorway.
    • Type “N/A” under Company / Agency Affiliation
    • Type “N/A” under School System
  3. You will receive an email verification. Once you do, click the link to verify your account

ⓘ Need help? Watch this screen capture video on how to register and create a free account.

How do I access the course?

  1. Login to your account at triad.vkclearning.org
  2. Click on the “Caregivers” icon
  3. Look for “Supporting Teens and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum: Setting and Pursuing Self-Determined Goals” and select “Open”
  4. Look for “Self-Determination Toolkit” and select “Launch”

ⓘ Need help? Watch this screen capture video on how to access the course.

What training modules are part of the course?

  • What is Self-Determination?
  • Why Pursue it?
  • Step 1: Brainstorm Ideas for Goals
  • Step 2: Choose Several Goals
  • Step 3: Break Goal into Smaller Subgoals
  • Step 4: Take Action
  • Step 5: Track Progress
  • Step 6: Revise Goals
  • Final Thoughts
  • Knowledge Check
  • References and Resources

We hope this toolkit and course are helpful to young adults on the autism spectrum, and the supportive people who know them. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about self-determination. We wish you success on your journey toward self-determination and goal setting. If you have any comments, please email spectrum.forLIFE@vumc.org.