How To Navigate NDIS Group Dynamics in Mixed-Ability Settings

Group programs are a great way for NDIS participants to build friendships, confidence, and real-world skills. But when those groups include a range of abilities, personalities, and support needs, things can get a little tricky without the right structure in place.

At Loving Life, we run mixed-ability groups every week — and we’ve learned that with the right approach, they can be incredibly powerful.

Here’s how we support positive group dynamics and create safe, respectful environments where everyone can thrive.

🧠 What Do We Mean by “Mixed-Ability”?

Mixed-ability simply means that participants in a group may have:

• Different support needs (e.g. high vs low support)

• Different communication styles (e.g. verbal, nonverbal, AAC users)

• Different diagnoses (e.g. ASD, ADHD, intellectual disability, Down syndrome)

• Different energy levels or social confidence

• Different goals and interests

In a mixed-ability group, everyone is included — but not everyone does the same thing in the same way.

🌈 Why Mixed-Ability Groups Can Be Awesome

When supported well, these groups offer:

• Peer modelling of social and life skills

• Opportunities to practice flexibility and turn-taking

• Exposure to different perspectives and communication styles

• The chance to build empathy and teamwork

• Safe, low-stakes ways to learn about friendships and boundaries

But only if they’re managed with care, respect, and structure.

🔑 How We Support Healthy Group Dynamics

At Loving Life, we create safe group settings by:

• ✅ Keeping groups small (maximum 6 participants)

• ✅ Using visual schedules, social stories, and pre-session check-ins

• ✅ Supporting participants to express their needs (even nonverbally)

• ✅ Structuring group activities with clear steps, roles, and goals

• ✅ Creating quiet spaces for breaks or regulation

• ✅ Encouraging respectful peer interaction through role-play and coaching

• ✅ Having extra staff to provide 1:1 support where needed

• ✅ Practicing consent and choice (e.g. “You don’t have to join this part”)

• ✅ Having clear group expectations that are revisited regularly

We also communicate with families before enrolment to make sure each group is a good fit — and adjust groups as needed.

📣 What Happens When a Group Isn’t the Right Fit?

Sometimes, even with the best prep, it’s just not the right mix. In that case, we:

• Debrief with participants and families

• Try to understand what didn’t work (e.g. sensory overwhelm, pace, peer conflict)

• Offer alternative programs or 1:1 options

• Support the participant to try again when ready — in a setting that suits them

No shame, no pressure — just a focus on individual wellbeing.

🧩 Inclusivity Isn’t About Doing the Same Thing — It’s About Belonging

We don’t believe in cookie-cutter group programs. We believe in:

• Flexible participation

• Personalised support

• Adaptive communication

• Meaningful inclusion

Because when participants feel safe and seen, social learning happens naturally.

📍 Based on the Gold Coast

📝 Contact us here to learn more about our group programs and how we tailor them to each participant.