Self Determination Resources

Promoting self-determination for all children!

Educational programs and resources for educators, therapy practitioners, and parents.

Do you know a child or teen who waits for others to do things for them?

Do they depend on adults or peers for daily tasks and decision-making? These are signs of “learned helplessness,” a condition that leads children to believe they are unable to learn and have little control over their lives.

Products

What is a self-determined child?

  • A child who knows how to make good choices about what they want and need to do every day.

  • A child who can work toward a personally satisfying goal and solve problems along the way.

  • A child who has the confidence and self-awareness to make and keep friends.

Our Programs

Captain Me

A 12-episode video program that teaches young children all about self-determination with Miss Amy and Cappy.

 

Strategies Toolkit

Easy-to-use approaches aimed at transforming children’s attitudes from helpless to confident.

About the Author

Amy Coopersmith

I’ve been an occupational therapist and educator for more than thirty years, working with children with diverse needs. I’m going to share some of the most meaningful self-determination approaches I’ve discovered. Educators and parents have written to me, describing how these strategies have completely transformed their children’s lives. Their children exhibited a more positive outlook and made faster progress. Additionally, research shows that children who take part in self-determination activities do much better at school and at home.