IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation. Fall 2017 • Volume 4, Issue 3
Set A Goal? But How? How many times in your life have you been asked about your goals for the future? How would you answer if you had a limited concept of time and limited organizational skills? What is a goal, anyway?! At IGNITE, members are learning how to set goals and are being held accountable for the goals they set. We start with setting a very small goal that can be met in seven days, using the SMART method: Specific: The goal must be clearly stated, without words such as “more,” “longer,” or “better,” because they are too vague. Measurable: The goal should be something that can be measured so that success is clear.
IGNITE is a unique ‘peer-to-peer’ community center for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) offering activities, skills training, and educational workshops that foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members. More importantly, IGNITE offers a social environment where members can connect with others and experience a sense of community.
For more information: Mindy Govan, IGNITE Director 704-897-8982 mgovan@autismsociety-nc.org www.ignite-davidson.org www.autismsociety-nc.org You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina: IGNITE • 209 Delburg St., Suite 134 Davidson, NC 28036
Are you motivated? Traditionally, the A stands for attainable, but we prefer “Are you motivated?” so we know why the member wants to meet the goal. Realistic: Is the goal something that the member has the skills and ability to accomplish? Timely: Can the goal be accomplished in one week?
Members first complete a pie chart of skills and accomplishments in four life areas. They highlight the area in which they feel they have been the most successful and the one that needs their focus.
Meaningful day Each member has a goal sheet, and they (volunteering, school, write down at least two goals per week: work, IGNITE) one from the health and wellness area Social and the other of their choice. The interactions, following week, they tell the group Independent doing things about the goal and their progress living skills with others toward it. If they met the goal, Health, everyone cheers. If the goal was not wellness, met, the group brainstorms to support exercise the member in how to break the goal down into smaller parts to ensure success the next week. When goals are too big to accomplish in one week, we call it “Supermanning,” and we work instead to break that goal into baby steps. The members are eager to report on their successes and even their unsuccessful attempts each week. They enjoy both giving and receiving support on reaching their goals. Members can reach big goals (getting a driver’s permit, cooking a meal for their family, registering for college, getting a job, etc.) by breaking the goal into manageable steps, gaining support, and being held accountable. They keep a running log of all of their success, and suddenly, setting a goal is fun!