Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

Promoting the independence of individuals with intellectual disability is the standard by which all special education teachers should design their instruction. Self-determination is a critical component of instruction leading to indepen-dence. Wehmeyer, Gragoudas, and Shogren (2006) described several interrelated components of self-determined behavior that include problem solving, self-regulation, and self-directed learning. When individuals are able to solve prob-lems and use self-management strategies to regulate their behavior, they require fewer external supports. In addition, when they can exert greater control over their lives (i.e., live in a more self-determined way) and begin to direct their own actions, they have greater opportunities related to financial security, employment, and independent living (Wehmeyer & Palmer, 2003)