The Importance of Self-Advocacy Video and Script Downloadable

When we teach our children to understand themselves and share their needs, we give them tools that last a lifetime.

This page introduces a simple framework and age-banded Self-Advocacy Scripts that help kids practice speaking up in ways that are clear, confident, and authentic to them. These scripts grow with your child, making advocacy a natural part of their journey at school, at home, and in the world.

Why Self-Advocacy Matters

Research, including a 2025 literature review from Virginia Tech, shows that self-advocacy and self-determination are strongly linked with positive adjustment for autistic adolescents and young adults. In other words, when kids learn to name their strengths, express their needs, and ask for support, they do better in school, build stronger friendships, and feel more confident as they grow into independence.

Self-advocacy is not just about asking for help—it is about resilience, ownership, and trust in their own voice.

That is why we created a short video (approx. 5 minutes) to walk you through the Self-Advocacy Scripts and how you can start using them with your child right away.

Tool: Self-Advocacy Scripts and Tips

The Self-Advocacy Script is a short formula kids can use to share what makes them successful:

Strength + Need + What Helps + Why It Helps

Example: “I notice small details, and that helps me in science labs. I need fewer distractions during tests. It helps when I can sit away from the door, because I can focus longer.”

This formula keeps the language clear, strengths-anchored, and solution-focused.

Age-Banded Script Examples

Early Elementary (Ages 6–8)

Simple introductions focused on one strength and one need. Example: “Hi, I am Kai. I am really good at building things with Legos. Sometimes I need help starting my writing because it is hard to get my ideas down. It helps when I can talk about them first.”

Upper Elementary & Middle School (Ages 9–12)

Scripts that show more self-awareness and independence. Example: “I learn best when I can see examples and have time to practice. I sometimes struggle with staying focused when it is noisy because I get distracted by sounds. It helps when I can wear my headphones or work in a quieter space.”

High School (Ages 13 and up)

Scripts that highlight ownership and problem-solving. Example: “I have learned I work best when I can break big assignments into smaller parts with checkpoints. I get stuck when I am not sure where to start. One way we could make this work better is if I can check in with you briefly before I begin to make sure I am on track.”

Downloadable Resources

To help you put this into practice, we have created ready-to-use resources you can download and adapt for your child:

• Self-Advocacy Script Templates and Tips (ages 6–8, 9–12, 13+)

Why It Matters

These scripts are not one-time exercises—they are building blocks for lifelong skills. Every time a child practices, whether in a low-pressure role play at home or in a real conversation with a teacher, they are strengthening resilience, communication, and confidence.

Even one short sentence about a strength or need is a big win. Over time, those small steps add up to empowered kids who know themselves and trust their voices.

Keep Learning with REEL

The Self-Advocacy Scripts were created and tested in our Back-to-School Facilitated Small Group Discussions, where parents tailored them to their own children. Now we are sharing them with you, so you can use them year-round and in many different settings.

For more tools and a community that understands, visit REEL’s resource library and join our online community. You are not alone on this journey.