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Supporting Participants 

Providing meaningful support starts with understanding each participant as an individual. Each person has unique strengths, preferences, and needs. The strategies below are designed to help Direct Care Professionals build positive relationships, support independence, and respond effectively in a variety of situations.  

Staff should always consult with the participant and, when appropriate, their family or support team to ensure care is aligned with the individual’s specific needs, preferences, and established supports. For participants with formal behavioral support plans, those plans should be followed as written. The information provided below is intended to serve as general guidance and practical strategies and should not replace individualized plans, professional recommendations, or established protocols.  

Getting to Know the Participant

Strong support starts with connection.

  • Learn preferred communication styles (verbal, visual/sign, AAC, etc.)
  • Ask about interests and incorporate them into activities
  • Respect routines and give advance notice for changes
  • Focus on strengths, not just challenges
  • Build trust through consistency and follow-through
  • Pairing
  • Chaining – helping people with one step and then they do the others
  • Identifying why someone is doing something

Sensory Support

Many individuals experience sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors. Understanding these needs can prevent distress and improve engagement.

Signs someone may be overwhelmed:

  • Covering ears or eyes
  • Pacing or increased movement
  • Irritability or withdrawal
  • Difficulty focusing

Ways to provide support:

  • Offer noise-reducing options (headphones, quieter spaces)
  • Adjust lighting when possible
  • Provide sensory tools (fidget toys, weighted items, etc.)
  • Allow movement breaks
  • Reduce environmental stimulation when needed

Emotional Regulation

Participants may need support managing big emotions. The goal is to co-regulate first, then teach coping skills over time. Not every strategy will work for every person. Staff should support participants in identifying what works best for them.

In the moment

  • Stay calm and use a neutral tone
  • Give space if needed
  • Avoid arguing or overwhelming with too many words
  • Validate feelings (“I can see this is frustrating”)

Helpful coping strategies

  • Deep breathing (box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, etc.)
  • Using fidget tools or other sensory items
  • Taking a walk or doing some gentle stretches
  • Shifting to a different environment
  • Writing or drawing feelings
  • Breaking tasks or situations into smaller steps to avoid overwhelm
  • Listening to calming music or other preferred sounds
  • Dancing or moving to music
  • Doing simple tasks (touch your nose, point to your knees, etc.)

Communication Strategies

Clear, respectful communication helps prevent misunderstandings.

  • Use simple, direct language
  • Give one instruction at a time
  • Allow processing time before repeating
  • Use visual supports when needed or helpful
  • Avoid figurative language if it may be confusing

Instead of: “Can you grab that real quick?”
Try: “Please pick up your shoes and put them by the door.”

Encouraging Independence

Supporting independence builds confidence and long-term success.

  • Break tasks into smaller steps
  • Offer choices instead of giving directives
  • Use prompts only as needed, then fade them
  • Allow extra time for completion
  • Celebrate effort, not just outcomes

Activity Ideas

Engagement looks different for everyone and activities should be tailored to each participant’s interests, sensory preferences, and goals. The ideas below are meant to provide options that can be adapted across age groups and ability levels.

At home:

  • Drawing, coloring, or painting
  • Building with LEGO or other construction sets
  • Art and crafts (bracelets, slime, seasonal décor)
  • Listening to music, dancing, or creating playlists
  • Watching a favorite show or movie with discussion
  • Folding laundry
  • Organizing a personal space
  • Cooking or baking (from simple snacks to full meals)
  • Cleaning tasks with a checklist
  • Practicing hygiene routines
  • Sensory bins (rice, beans, kinetic sand)
  • Playdough or clay
  • Water play (get creative! Even washing or rinsing dishes can be calming)
  • Weighted blankets or quiet time in a calm space
  • Sorting objects by color, size, or type

In the community:

  • Visiting a library
  • Going for a walk at a park or trail
  • Browsing a bookstore
  • Attending sensory-friendly or community events
  • Grocery shopping with a list
  • Running errands
  • Practicing ordering food at a restaurant
  • Using public transportation
  • Visiting a community center
  • Going to a movie (consider less busy time or sensory-friendly showings)
  • Participating in a hobby group

Movement and physical:

  • Stretching or yoga
  • Dance or movement breaks
  • Obstacle courses
  • Balloon volleyball
  • Walking or hiking
  • Playing catch or simple sports
  • Riding a bike or scooter
  • Playground time
  • Gardening or yard work

Skill-building:

  • Practicing conversations or role-playing
  • Playing turn-taking games
  • Identifying emotions using pictures or scenarios
  • Practicing phone calls or ordering food
  • Creating a daily schedule
  • Using timers for task completion
  • Breaking down multi-step tasks
  • Planning an outing for activity from start to finish
  • Budgeting practice
  • Counting money or making change
  • Planning a shopping trip with a budget
  • Using a calendar or planner

Interest-based Activities:

Following a participant’s interests can increase engagement and reduce challenging behaviors.

Examples:

  • Trains → watch videos, visit a train station, build tracks
  • Animals → visit a pet store, watch documentaries, volunteer (if appropriate)
  • Music → create playlists, try instruments, attend a live music event
  • Cars → attend a car show, wash or detail a vehicle

Calming & Regulating Activities:

These are helpful during transitions or a break.

  • Listening to calming music
  • Guided breathing exercises
  • Quiet time in a low-stimulation space
  • Looking at a book, photo album, or pictures
  • Repetitive or familiar tasks
  • Gentle movement like walking, rocking, or stretching