29/01/2026
📝The photo shows an example of a very simple, easy to read, participant contract for friendship group excursions, that the participants can read, discuss and sign.
WHY❓️
A participant agreement can be a helpful tool when working with neurodiverse children because it gives structure, predictability, and shared understanding — all things that help them feel safe and successful. It’s not about formality; it’s about clarity and empowerment.
Why it works so well for neurodiverse kids:
1. Predictability reduces anxiety
Many neurodiverse children thrive when they know exactly what to expect.
A simple agreement lays out:
- what the activity involves
- what their role is
- what support they can ask for
- what the boundaries are
This removes guesswork and helps them settle into the activity more confidently.
2. It creates shared language and expectations
Instead of adults holding all the rules in their heads, the agreement makes everything explicit.
This helps with:
- understanding routines
- reducing misunderstandings
- preventing behaviour being seen as “non‑compliance” when it’s actually confusion
3. It supports autonomy and agency
When children help create the agreement, they feel ownership.
They get to say:
- what helps them
- what doesn’t work
- what they need from adults
- what they agree to try
That sense of control is powerful for kids who often feel like things are done to them rather than with them.
4. It builds emotional safety
Neurodiverse children often mask or hold in stress.
A participant agreement can include:
- how they can communicate overwhelm
- what breaks look like
- what adults will do to support them
This reassures them that their needs are valid and will be respected.
5. It reduces behavioural escalations
Clear expectations + predictable support = fewer meltdowns, shutdowns, or conflicts.
When everyone knows the plan, the environment becomes calmer and more consistent.
6. It helps adults stay consistent
A written agreement keeps staff, parents, and support workers aligned.
It prevents:
- mixed messages
- shifting rules
- accidental pressure on the child
Consistency is one of the biggest protective factors for neurodiverse kids.
7. It models real‑world self‑advocacy
Learning to negotiate, express needs, and agree on boundaries is a life skill.
A participant agreement is a gentle, age‑appropriate way to practise that.
