Book Now
One of the most powerful ways to foster intrinsic motivation is to emphasize the process of learning rather than just the end result. For neurodivergent students, the pressure to achieve perfect results can feel overwhelming and discouraging, especially during the February slump when motivation is already low. By shifting the focus to the learning journey, we help students internalize the value of effort, growth, and persistence.
Instead of only celebrating the final grade or project, highlight the steps your child took to get there: the planning, the creativity, the persistence. Praise the effort, not just the outcome. This approach helps students understand that learning is about more than just the product—it’s about the skills they’re building along the way. It allows them to take pride in their efforts, even if the results don’t always match their expectations.
Another way to foster intrinsic motivation is by connecting learning to what excites your child. For neurodivergent students, especially those with ADHD, having some control over what they’re learning can make a huge difference. When students can see the personal relevance in what they’re doing, they are more likely to stay engaged.
Start by learning what your child is passionate about. Are they into animals, space, or technology? How can those interests be incorporated into their assignments? For example, if your child loves dinosaurs, suggest a research project on paleontology or let them explore related topics in science. When students can make personal connections to their learning, they are more likely to feel motivated to dive in and keep going.
Intrinsic motivation thrives when students have meaningful goals that resonate with them. While micro-goals can help with immediate task completion, long-term goals can help keep the bigger picture in mind. When setting goals, work with your child to identify something that truly matters to them. This might be mastering a skill they’ve struggled with, completing a challenging project, or simply staying on track with their schoolwork for a set period of time.
Encourage your child to reflect on what they want to achieve and why it’s important to them. The more personally meaningful the goal, the more motivated they will be to pursue it. Make sure the goals are specific, measurable, and achievable, and celebrate progress along the way.
Fostering a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning—helps students view challenges as opportunities for growth, not roadblocks. Neurodivergent learners, particularly those who struggle with motivation, often feel like they’re stuck or that they can’t improve. But by reinforcing the idea that mistakes are part of the process and that effort leads to progress, we can help students develop a healthier relationship with failure and learning.
Encourage your child to embrace challenges, focus on the effort, and understand that progress doesn’t always look linear. By celebrating their resilience and persistence, we can shift their focus from fear of failure to excitement about the process of growth and learning.
Lastly, fostering intrinsic motivation requires ongoing encouragement and support. While it’s important for students to be self-driven, it’s equally important to create an environment where they feel supported and believed in. Praise effort, acknowledge small wins, and provide constructive feedback that helps them improve without overwhelming them.
Support doesn’t mean doing things for your child—it means being there for them when they struggle, providing guidance when necessary, and celebrating their achievements along the way. When students feel supported in their journey, they are more likely to believe in themselves and take ownership of their learning.