Why Goal Setting Matters
Goals provide direction and help break big dreams into smaller, more manageable steps. Whether it’s improving a skill, exploring a hobby, or preparing for adulthood, having clear goals makes progress easier to track and celebrate.
For individuals with autism, structured goal setting can also:
- Reduce anxiety by creating clear paths forward
- Build self-confidence through measurable achievements
- Foster independence in school, work, or daily life
Step 1: Start with Your Interests
A great way to begin setting goals is by focusing on what you enjoy. Ask yourself what makes you happy or curious? For example:
- Do you love drawing or painting? Maybe your goal is to learn a new art technique.
- Do you enjoy solving puzzles or coding? You could work toward completing an online course.
- Are you fascinated by animals? Volunteering at a shelter might be a good fit.
Choosing goals based on your passions will make them more exciting and rewarding.
Step 2: Break Goals into Smaller Steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to break them into smaller, manageable steps. Use the SMART goal framework to guide you:
- Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
- Measurable: How will you know when you’ve reached your goal?
- Achievable: Is this realistic for you?
- Relevant: Does this goal match your interests or needs?
- Time-bound: When do you want to achieve it?
For example, if your goal is to improve your social skills:
- Big Goal: Make two new friends by the end of the school year.
- Smaller Steps: somesome text
- Practice saying “hello” to classmates once a day.
- Join a club or activity that interests you.
- Work on conversation skills with a family member or therapist.
Step 3: Use Visual Supports
Visual aids can make it easier to understand and stick to goals. Try these strategies:
- Create a goal tracker: Use a calendar, checklist, or app to track progress.
- Make a vision board: Collect pictures, words, and drawings that represent your goals. (Check out our blog post on how to create a vision board!)
- Use reminders: Set phone alarms, use sticky notes, or other visual schedules to stay on track.
Step 4: Build in Rewards
Rewards can help motivate you to stay focused. Choose something small but meaningful to celebrate each milestone. For example:
- After practicing a new skill for a week, treat yourself to your favorite snack.
- When you reach a bigger goal, celebrate with an outing or activity you love.
Rewards make the process more fun and keep you excited about progress.
Step 5: Ask for Support
It’s okay to ask for help! Parents, teachers, therapists, or friends can provide encouragement and advice. They can also help you stay accountable by checking in on your progress or brainstorming solutions if you hit a roadblock.
For example, if your goal is to find a part-time job, someone could help you practice interview skills or search for job postings.
Step 6: Stay Flexible
Goals can change, and that’s okay! If something doesn’t feel right or a new interest emerges, adjust your goals to fit your current needs. It is okay to have setbacks, and some days you won’t feel like you’re making any progress, or you may have some “off” days. That is normal and okay! The important thing is to keep trying.
Step 7: Celebrate Progress
Every step you take is a success, no matter how small. Celebrate your efforts and reflect on how far you’ve come. This will boost your confidence and motivate you to keep going.
Setting and achieving goals is a lifelong skill that builds independence and confidence. For teens and young adults with autism, breaking down goals into manageable steps, using visual supports, and staying flexible can make the process more approachable and enjoyable.
Each effort you make is a step toward building the life you want—and that’s something worth celebrating.
