At College Internship Program, we use a concept called The Donkey Rule to help our young adults with Autism and Learning Differences handle the many areas of cognitive rigidity to help them accept change or think outside the box.
The theory behind the donkey rule is as follows: if five people call something a donkey, it is not a horse. This concept asks that you take a poll of five or so of your most trusted mentors when making a critical decision. The idea is that these people will generally lead you to the appropriate outcome.
The Donkey Rule can be useful for making good life choices. Applying the rule to real life involves asking several trusted friends or mentors if a decision is a good one vs. a questionable or risky one. If the majority of them believe that a decision is a good one, then it is the best choice for them to make. If others suggest that it is risky or questionable, they should take that advice, trust the opinion and make a different decision.
