Person-Centred Planning for Benji and Giulietta

Every decision that has been made for Benji and Giulietta has started with the same question:

"What kind of life do Benji and Giulietta want to live?"

Not what services are available. Not what program they fit into. Not what other people think they should be doing. What matters first is who Benji and Giulietta are as individuals.

Although they share the same diagnosis of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, they are very different people. They have different personalities, different interests, different motivations, and different goals. What works for one does not always work for the other, and what is meaningful for one may not be meaningful for the other.

That understanding became the foundation for how planning evolved over the years.

For Benji, planning often revolves around having meaningful responsibilities, helping others, being active in the community, and contributing in ways that give him a sense of purpose. For Giulietta, planning focuses on communication, relationships, learning opportunities, community participation, and activities that align with her interests and strengths.

Instead of starting with limitations, the focus has always been on possibilities.

The question has never been "What can't they do?" but rather "How can we create opportunities that allow them to participate, learn, and continue growing?"

When planning starts with the person, goals become more meaningful because they are connected to real life. Communication is not worked on simply because communication is important. It is developed so Benji and Giulietta can express choices, build relationships, participate in their communities, and have more control over their own lives. Life skills are not taught for the sake of completing tasks. They are developed because they help create greater independence and participation in everyday routines. Employment is not about filling time. It is about contribution, confidence, purpose, and belonging.

Over the years, planning has also meant looking beyond immediate needs and thinking about the future. Those conversations became part of planning early on because building a meaningful life takes time.

One of the biggest lessons learned has been that person-centred planning is not something that happens once a year around a table. It is an ongoing process of listening, observing, adjusting, and responding as Benji and Giulietta grow and change. Interests change. Opportunities emerge. Goals evolve. Support needs shift. Planning needs to evolve alongside them.

What remains constant is the commitment to making sure their lives are built around who they are rather than around the limitations of existing systems.

The goal has always been to create opportunities for Benji and Giulietta to build lives that reflect their interests, strengths, goals, and the things that bring them happiness.

Supporting Blogs

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