The Complexity of “Motivation” in Our 2e Children
A New Fall Series, Four-Week Facilitated Small Group Discussion for Parents
Wednesdays: October 21 and 28; November 4 and 11, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m. Pacific Time | Virtual
Space is limited to 8 participants.
Why can a child spend hours absorbed in something they love but struggle to begin a seemingly simple assignment? Why do rewards, consequences, reminders, and even carefully designed systems sometimes fail to help?
Motivation in twice-exceptional and neurodivergent children is rarely simple. What looks like avoidance, resistance, inconsistency, or a lack of effort may reflect overwhelm, anxiety, executive functioning demands, or a need for greater autonomy and connection. When we look beneath the surface, we can better understand what our children need to engage and move forward.
During this four-week facilitated discussion series, we will move beyond the question, “How do I get my child to do this?” and explore a more useful one: “What is making it hard for my child to engage, and what might help?”
Together, we will explore:
What motivation is and what it is not
Why interest, autonomy, purpose, and connection matter
How executive functioning, regulation, anxiety, and perfectionism can affect engagement
What may be underneath avoidance, resistance, or “I don’t care”
Practical, neurodivergent-affirming ways to reduce barriers and support motivation
How to balance empathy and flexibility with expectations and skill-building
This is not a lecture series. Teresa Nair will facilitate conversations that connect current research and research-informed practices with the unique experiences and needs of each family.
We will draw from REEL’s extensive library of 2e resources and trusted network of professionals and experts while exploring what these ideas mean for you, your child, and your family. Together, we will build a supportive community where families can feel understood and learn from one another.
Whether you come to listen and learn or to share and explore, this space is for you.