Think Differently with Dr. Theresa Haskins The Hardest Part of Advocacy: Learning When to Step Back
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Sep 11, 2025 Advocacy isn't just about stepping in; it's about knowing when to step back. Dr. Theresa Haskins highlights how over-advocating can foster dependence and stifle self-advocacy. She emphasizes the importance of involving teens in meetings to build trust and communication skills. Preparing for college expectations is key, as parental support fades away. Role-playing and positive framing of accommodations empower individuals to articulate their needs. Ultimately, it's all about scaffolding independence and trusting young people to advocate for themselves.
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Stepping Back Is The End Goal
- Advocacy's true goal is preparing someone to speak for themselves rather than speaking for them indefinitely.
- Stepping back builds mutual respect and preserves dignity between supporter and supported.
Advocacy Can Become Disabling
- Over time external advocacy can become disabling if it creates dependency or ableist attitudes.
- Balancing support with opportunities for independence requires intentional, nuanced choices.
Let Teens Lead Meetings
- In meetings, direct questions to your teen and defer to them when possible to build ownership.
- Support them only when they stumble and avoid talking for them to strengthen self-trust.