Before we correct, teach, prompt, or redirect, we must first pause long enough to see the person in front of us. Validation is not a step in the intervention — it is the foundation that makes all meaningful interaction possible.
For adults with developmental disabilities—especially those who communicate through movement, behavior, gestures, or subtle cues—validation becomes even more essential. It tells them:
“I see you. I hear you. You matter.”
Why Validation Matters
Validation helps caregivers:
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Reduce anxiety and frustration
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Build trust and emotional safety
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Understand the meaning behind someone’s actions
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Support true participation instead of forced compliance
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Create space for choice, voice, and autonomy
What Validation Looks Like
Validation is not complicated. It may look like:
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Noticing eye gaze
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Slowing down to interpret a gesture
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Reflecting someone’s emotion
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Naming what they’re showing you
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Giving space instead of rushing to fix
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Accepting their version of participation
Real-Life Example
During a recent art session, a young boy proudly held up his digital drawing and asked:
“Do you like it?”
Instead of critiquing, I responded:
“Do you like it? What does it mean to you?”
His explanation was thoughtful and expressive.
We recorded his story so it could be remembered.
This is validation — honoring the human behind the creation.
Key Takeaway for Caregivers
Validation before evaluation is an act of:
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Respect
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Relationship
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Listening
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Humanity
It is the bridge between doing an activity and finding meaning within it.
Try This Simple Practice
Choose one person you support this week.
When they show you something—through sound, gesture, art, behavior, or movement—pause and gently ask:
“Tell me more about this.”
or
“What do you want me to know right now?”
Then wait.
Observe.
Listen.
You may discover more than you expected.
Closing
Validation is not a technique.
It’s a way of being with someone.
A way of saying:
“You matter more than the task.”
When caregivers adopt this mindset, meaningful participation becomes possible for everyone.