Evidence that strengthens thoughtful, personalised support.
Our research hub brings together evidence on physical activity, neurodivergence, relationships, creativity, belonging and community participation, then considers how those findings can inform practical support around the individual.
Support as a bridge to a wider life.One-to-one support can create a strong foundation for confidence, community and independence.
How we use research
Research gives the approach greater depth and direction.
Evidence is considered alongside participant preferences, family feedback, professional guidance, direct support experience and ongoing observation. The aim is to understand why certain environments and activities may support engagement, then shape them carefully around the person.
Prioritise systematic reviews, meta-analyses, government guidance and strong qualitative research
Translate findings into clear, practical ideas
Consider the quality, context and limitations of each source
Connect evidence with participant strengths, interests and goals
Learn from families, professionals and direct support experience
Review and refine the approach as evidence develops
Current evidence themes
Research areas shaping the Motion & Meaning approach.
Each theme connects research with practical questions about engagement, confidence, relationships, routine, independence and participation in everyday life.
Movement & wellbeing
Physical activity, confidence and mental wellbeing
Research consistently links regular physical activity with improved mental wellbeing and reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression and psychological distress. Movement can also create routine, relieve stress and provide a practical change of environment when someone feels restless, isolated or overwhelmed.
How this can shape support
A walk, surf, gym visit or casual game can make conversation feel more natural, create visible experiences of progress and provide a reason to leave the house and return to a positive routine. Confidence can grow through repeated evidence of capability: trying something unfamiliar, recovering from mistakes and recognising improvement over time.
Sources considered: Singh et al. (2023); White et al. (2023); World Health Organization (2024).
Social connection is shaped by the quality and meaning of relationships, not simply the number of people nearby. Research and public-health guidance increasingly recognise belonging, repeated contact and supportive relationships as important parts of wellbeing, particularly for adolescents and young adults.
How this can shape support
Shared interests give interaction a natural focus. Basketball, music, surfing, walking or a community group can provide structure, shared language and a reason to return. Over time, support can help someone move from attending an activity to recognising familiar people, contributing, making choices and feeling that they genuinely belong.
Sources considered: World Health Organization (2025); Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2026); White et al. (2026).
Matching movement to attention, sensory needs and motivation
Studies involving young people with ADHD and autistic children and adolescents have associated physical activity with improvements across areas such as executive functioning, motor coordination, social participation and behavioural outcomes. Different activities and environments produce different experiences, making individual fit especially important.
How this can shape support
Predictability, quieter environments, clear choices and gradual exposure to a new setting can make participation more manageable. One person may thrive in a fast-moving team environment, while another may engage more deeply through swimming, cycling, skateboarding or a repeated one-to-one routine.
Sources considered: Chen and Zhu (2024); Deng et al. (2024); Wang et al. (2025); World Health Organization (2020).
The quality of the worker-participant relationship
Research with young people consistently identifies warmth, authenticity, acceptance and genuine interest as central to strong helping relationships. Trust can make it easier for a young person to communicate honestly, try unfamiliar activities, accept encouragement and return after a difficult experience.
How this can shape support
Thoughtful matching matters. Shared interests, personality, communication style, energy and consistency all influence whether a working relationship feels natural. The complimentary Meet & Connect creates space for the participant and family to experience that fit before regular support begins.
Sources considered: Dimic et al. (2023); Orlowski, Bender and Karver (2023).
Community & independence
From being present to participating with confidence
Community participation involves more than arriving at an activity. It can include understanding the environment, making decisions, communicating with others, developing a role and gradually taking greater ownership of everyday tasks and relationships.
How this can shape support
A pathway may begin with visiting a basketball court when it is quiet, practising one-to-one, meeting a coach and attending early sessions together. The same principle can apply to cafés, public transport, shopping, gyms, community events and employment preparation: support is adjusted as familiarity, skills and confidence develop.
Sources considered: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024); National Disability Insurance Scheme goal and community-connection guidance (2026).
Creativity as a pathway to expression, identity and connection
Music and creative activity can bring together attention, memory, emotion, movement and shared interaction. Research on structured music-based activities has identified potential benefits for communication and social skills, particularly for autistic children, while creative participation can also strengthen identity, confidence and personal ownership.
How this can shape support
Instrument exploration, songwriting, digital production, photography or attending a local event can create a shared focus and a visible sense of progress. A participant can shape what they make, practise persistence and connect with people who share a genuine interest.
Sources considered: Shi et al. (2024); Marquez-Garcia et al. (2025).
A personalised approach
Research matters. The individual still comes first.
Tell us about the participant’s interests, goals, communication and current support network.
