What is the Change Readiness Map™?

The Change Readiness Map™ is a nervous-system-aware translation of the Transtheoretical Model of Change. It adds three layers the original model does not contain: a signal layer (what is the nervous system communicating?), a regulate-first layer (what is the smallest available regulation from here?), and a 1% step layer (what is the minimum viable action this state can support?). Created by Alexandra Robuste.

Why do behavior change models fail neurodivergent people?

Most behavior change models are built on neurotypical norms that assume executive function, emotional regulation, and sequencing are consistently available. For neurodivergent people — particularly those with ADHD and autism — these capacities are state-dependent and may be genuinely inaccessible under stress, regardless of motivation or intention. The gap between readiness and access is structural, not motivational.

What is the missing layer in the Transtheoretical Model?

The TTM accurately describes which stage of readiness someone is in. What it does not describe is whether the nervous system currently has access to the executive and regulatory functions required to act on that readiness. This access is determined by autonomic state — and is directly reduced by stress, dysregulation, and trauma. Regulation must precede skill. State must precede action.

What is state-dependent access in behavior change?

State-dependent access refers to the fact that cognitive and regulatory functions — planning, sequencing, emotional regulation, flexible thinking — are not equally available across all autonomic states. Under stress or dysregulation, prefrontal activity measurably decreases (Arnsten, 2009). This means a person can be fully motivated to change and still be unable to act, because their nervous system is not currently in a state that allows access to what action requires.

Change Models and Neurodivergence: The Change Readiness Map.

Change Models and Neurodivergence: The Change Readiness Map.

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Copyright 2026

Helping people and organizations thrive through neuroinclusion.
Take good care of yourselves.

Want to read more?

Copyright 2026

Helping people and organizations thrive through neuroinclusion. Take good care of yourselves.

Helping people and organizations thrive through neuroinclusion.
Take good care of yourselves.