Strategies to Improve Self-Esteem
Building good self-esteem is important for feeling happy and dealing with life’s ups and downs. It’s something that can get better over time with practice. Positive experiences, supportive people, and taking care of yourself all play a role.
Strategies to improve self-esteem
Embrace Neurodiversity: Promote an understanding that neurodivergence is a natural and valuable part of the human experience (see LEANS Project). Celebrate differences and emphasize the unique strengths that come with being autistic.
Encourage Autonomy: Provide opportunities for autonomy and self-expression. Allow the young person to make choices, set goals, and take on responsibilities, fostering a sense of control and accomplishment.
Cultivate Strengths: Identify and nurture the individual strengths and interests of the autistic young person. This not only boosts confidence but also reinforces a positive self-identity.
Groups and activities that include the young person’s interests and showcase their strengths can be invaluable – Positive social interactions contribute significantly to establishing friendships and healthy self-esteem for everyone.
Clear Communication: Provide clear and concise communication. Visual aids, social stories, and visual schedules can enhance understanding and reduce negative feelings occurring which contribute to low self-esteem.
Establish Routine: Autistic people often find comfort in routines. Establishing a predictable daily routine can reduce anxiety and contribute to a sense of security. Knowing what is planned and completing tasks, activities as planned can increase confidence and contribute to feelings of accomplishment which improve self-esteem.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate even small accomplishments. Focus on specific accomplishments and efforts rather than generic praise.
Identify Personal Coping Strategies: Find out what activities or strategies make the young person feel better. Supportive activities might include walking, exercising, watching favourite films, writing, drawing, spending time in nature…. The Incredible 5 point Scale could be used to identify activities the young person likes and dislikes.
Some young people struggle to identify how they feel. Some useful strategies for teenagers to identify emotions included in the Middletown Centre for Autism Teenage Resource.
Promote a Supportive Environment: Advocate for a neuroaffirmative and inclusive community where differences are respected and accommodated. Ensure that the young person feels accepted and supported in all aspects of their life.
Advocate for Inclusive Education: Educational professionals should engage in regular autism training to ensure inclusive environments where every child has their unique needs met. Inclusive education fosters a sense of belonging. Autistic & Unapologetic founder has suggested 10 tips to improve self-esteem by James Ward-Sinclair.
Activities and Tips to improve self-esteem
- Keep a positive diary or journal
- Try Mindfulness…. Mindfulness can help children and young people relax and manage stress and worries.
- Confidence boosting tips from Childline
- Challenge negative self-talk with positive self-talk
- Practice self-care
The Middletown Centre for Autism website offers lots of activities to support self-esteem.
Numerous studies evidence the positive impact of healthy self-esteem on mental health and overall well-being. Research indicates that promoting self-esteem in autistic children and young people contributes to improved wellbeing.
Read previous: ← Signs of low self-esteem