Helping Adults With Disabilities Try New Activities
Trying something new is hard for most people. For adults with disabilities, it can be especially challenging – whether because of anxiety, sensory sensitivities, past experiences, or simply the comfort of a familiar routine. But new activities are also where growth, confidence, and friendships happen.
This guide is for families, caregivers, and program staff who want to help adults with disabilities feel comfortable exploring new experiences – without pressure or stress.
Understand Why Trying New Things Can Be Hard
Before you can help someone try something new, it helps to understand what’s making it difficult. Some common reasons include:
- Routine dependence: Many adults with disabilities rely heavily on routine for comfort and predictability. A new activity disrupts that pattern.
- Sensory concerns: A new environment might be too loud, too bright, too crowded, or too unfamiliar.
- Fear of failure: Nobody wants to feel embarrassed. If a person has had experiences where they struggled with something new, they may be reluctant to try again.
- Communication barriers: It’s harder to express interest or hesitation when communication is limited, which can lead to shutting down instead.
- Past negative experiences: If someone was pushed into activities they didn’t enjoy, they may be wary of any new suggestion.
Understanding the “why” behind the resistance helps you respond with empathy instead of frustration.
Start Small and Low-Pressure
You don’t have to go from zero to a full afternoon activity. Start with something brief and low-stakes. Watch a short video about the activity. Look at pictures together. Visit the space where the activity happens without actually participating. Let the person observe others doing it first.
These small steps build familiarity. And familiarity reduces anxiety. At Lennon’s House, we encourage families to look at what a sample day looks like so there are fewer surprises when someone shows up for the first time.
Offer Choices, Not Mandates
One of the fastest ways to shut someone down is to tell them they have to do something. Instead, offer options. “Would you rather try the cooking activity or the art project today?” feels very different from “You’re doing cooking today.”
When people choose, they feel ownership over the experience. Even if they choose to sit out and watch, that’s still a form of participation – and it’s a step closer to joining in next time.
Lennon’s House designs activities with choice built into the day, so participants always have a say in how they spend their time.
Pair New Activities With Familiar People
New activities feel less scary when you’re with someone you trust. If possible, pair the new experience with a familiar staff member, a friend from the program, or a family member. Having someone comfortable nearby provides a safety net that makes it easier to take a small risk.
This is one reason why community outings can be such a powerful way to introduce new experiences – they happen in a group, with familiar faces, in a supported environment. The novelty is in the destination, but the support system stays consistent.
Celebrate the Try, Not Just the Result
The goal isn’t to master a new activity on the first attempt. The goal is to try. When someone agrees to sit in the room during a yoga session, that’s worth acknowledging. When someone picks up a paintbrush for the first time, that matters – even if the painting isn’t finished.
Celebrate effort and courage, not performance. This builds a positive association with trying new things, which makes it easier the next time.
Know When to Step Back
Encouragement is good. Pressure is not. If someone is clearly distressed – not just nervous, but genuinely upset – it’s okay to step back. You can always try again another day, in a different way, or with a different activity entirely.
Respecting someone’s “no” is just as important as encouraging their “yes.” It builds trust, and trust is what eventually leads to openness.
Learn more about how our programs balance encouragement with respect for individual pace, or reach out to talk about what activities might be a good starting point for your adult child.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my adult child is nervous versus genuinely not interested?
It can be hard to tell, especially at first. Watch their body language over time. Someone who’s nervous might warm up after a few exposures. Someone who’s truly not interested will consistently disengage, even in low-pressure situations. Both responses are valid.
What kinds of activities are good for someone who’s very cautious?
Quiet, sensory-friendly activities like art, music listening, gentle movement, or cooking often work well. The key is choosing something where the person can participate at their own pace without feeling watched or judged.
What if they try something and have a bad experience?
Talk about it openly. Ask what they didn’t like. Was it the activity itself, the environment, the people, or something else? Understanding what went wrong helps you avoid the same issue next time and shows them that their feedback matters.
Can trying new activities help with social skills?
Absolutely. New activities create natural opportunities for interaction – working on a group project, sharing supplies, cheering each other on, or simply being in the same space doing something together. These moments build social confidence over time.
How can I encourage my adult child to try new things at home, too?
The same principles apply. Start small, offer choices, celebrate the attempt, and don’t push. You might try a new recipe together, visit a new park, or listen to a new kind of music. Keeping it relaxed and fun removes the pressure.