On the Road to Autonomy: Promoting Self-Competence in Children and Youth With Disabilities

Independence, self-confidence, and pride: critical for life success and difficult to attain for many children and adolescents with disabilities and ongoing health conditions. However, with opportunities and guidance, these young people can be prepared to move forward into positive futures that they shape. On the Road to Autonomy integrates theory and practice to offer an innovative, cross-categorical model for nurturing self-competence.
By integrating knowledge of the factors that influence the emergence of self-competence among all children, with perspectives on the unique experiences of children with disabilities, the authors have assembled effective strategies for supporting children and adolescents with a wide range of challenges. They offer methods for building self-determination, self-esteem, and coping skills - all critical components of self-competence. They also discuss how interactions with family members, teachers, doctors, and other adults affect a child's ability to confront challenges and to make major decisions - such as whether or not to undergo optional surgical procedures or to pursue a specific career path. Illuminating personal accounts, stories, and poems from self-competent youth and adults provide insight into the successful development of a strong sense of self.
Young people with physical disabilities, mental retardation, learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and ongoing health conditions can all participate in shaping their own futures. On the Road to Autonomy shows educators, guidance and rehabilitation counselors, and other professionals how to give these young people the guidance and skills they need to do it.