Motivation for special needs children:

Parents are always balancing the question of whether their child with special needs is doing the best work they can or if they are perhaps slacking off a bit because of a lack of motivation. Learning ways to cope with a child's lack of motivation is important for school success and to gain their own confidence.

Figure out what motivates your child:

Some children have the internal motivation and others have external motivation. It can be very useful to figure out what motivates your child, as it can inform the way you present tasks to them.

Internal motivation is when the satisfaction of applying yourself is enough of an accomplishment that it encourages you to keep working hard. For children with internal motivation, incorporate rest periods in their day as well as plenty of variety so they maintain a productive and balanced schedule.

Doing one thing for too long or doing the same thing day in and day out can become boring, although keep in mind that some children may thrive on the routine itself. Either way, help your child maintain motivation by keeping an eye on what they're enjoying and reducing any tasks they seem to dislike.

External motivation is when external rewards like good grades, praise, and approval are motivators. Giving your child positive reinforcement whether in the form of verbal praise or some type of rewards system can help them stay motivated. Ensure they also have positive social feedback, with their hard work and abilities being recognized by their peers (perhaps in school or at a sports club or recreation facility).

Ways to motivate special needs children:

1. Allow Them to Choose Their Own Activity

Make them choose the activity they want to do and join them at it until they initialize eye contact with you.

2. Use Play Therapy 

Children with autism can be motivated by using teaching skills that promote play and self-expression. It provides them with a sense of accomplishment.

3. Reward Children with Favourite Toys or Food

Give them something to strive for by giving them something they truly like every time they accomplish something.

4. Use Music Therapy 

Simple and repetitive phrases can help in developing the language skills of children with autism. It also helps them change monotone speech patterns by matching their voice to music rhythms. It can also promote social interaction by motivating them to join group activities.

5. Integrate Activities that Affect the Level of Sensory Stimulation

This will help them adjust to different sensory stimulation, which can normally overwhelm them.