Autonomy is when you get to make your own choices and decide what happens next.
Imagine you have a toy box full of different toys, cars, blocks, dolls, and crayons. Autonomy is like having the power to pick which toy you want to play with first, instead of someone else deciding for you. You don’t need anyone to tell you what to do; you can just go with what feels right.
Like Being the Boss of Your Day
If you have autonomy at breakfast time, you might choose between cereal or toast, and even pick your favorite fruit on the side. It’s like being the boss of your own day, making decisions that fit you best.
Autonomy Means You Can Change Things
When you have autonomy, you’re not stuck with one option forever. If you don’t like the toy you picked first, you can always switch to another one, no need for anyone to tell you what to do next!
Autonomy is about freedom and choice in your everyday life, just like picking your favorite snack or deciding which game to play.
Examples
- A kid choosing what snack to eat instead of being told.
- A dog walking on its own without a leash.
- A robot following instructions it was given.
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See also
- What is independence?
- What is freedom?
- What is control?
- What Does Freedom Mean to You? | The Story of Us?
- What is liberty?