Why I Don’t Use Traditional Recommendation Templates Anymore, And What I Do Instead

By Emily Hanlon

When I was first learning to write reports as a clinician, I relied heavily on the templates I was given...ones focused on developmental milestones, behaviour management strategies, and often, checklists of what the client couldn’t yet do. It felt structured and safe. But over time, something didn’t sit right.

Despite doing everything “by the book,” I started to notice a disconnect. The recommendations didn’t always feel meaningful. Sometimes they were hard for families to implement. Other times, they didn’t seem to align with who the client was or what they actually needed. And worst of all? I often wondered whether these recommendations were genuinely helpful, or just expected.

The Problem with Traditional Templates

Traditional recommendation formats often revolve around “fixing” behaviours or pushing development along a standardised trajectory. You know the ones:

• “Encourage eye contact during interactions.”

• “Reduce hand flapping through distraction techniques.”

• “Increase engagement in group activities.”

These recommendations may be familiar; but are they truly helpful? Or ethical?

For many neurodivergent clients, these suggestions risk pathologising natural ways of being. They often disregard sensory preferences, emotional regulation needs, and the simple fact that not everyone communicates, learns, or engages in the same way.

Why I Chose to Do Things Differently

At a certain point, I realised I needed a better way. One that reflected:

• Neurodiversity-affirming values

• Client autonomy and strengths

• Recommendations that actually made sense in a person’s real-life context

That shift didn’t happen overnight. It took reflection, meeting with and learning from neurodivergent voices, and trialling new approaches. I wanted to write reports that didn’t just “tick the box," I wanted them to help clients and families feel seen, respected, and empowered.

What I Do Instead

Now, when I write recommendations, I ask:

• What are the client’s strengths, interests, and sensory preferences?

• What are they communicating through their behaviour?

• What adjustments in the environment could make life more comfortable or accessible?

• What does support look like, without shame or unrealistic expectations?

This leads to recommendations that are:

• Practical and achievable

• Holistic and context-aware

• Respectful of neurodivergent identities

• Centred on growth, not compliance

A Real Example

Let’s say I’m working with a young autistic client who uses movement and sound to regulate during class. A traditional recommendation might be: “Teach strategies to reduce vocalisations in the classroom.”

Now, I would write: “Support the student with access to movement breaks and regulation strategies that honour their sensory needs while supporting participation.”

The second option respects who the client is, rather than asking them to suppress part of themselves to fit in.

Introducing: Enough With the Fluff

I created this guide because I needed something like it when I was starting out. Enough With the Fluff: A Clinician’s Guide to Writing Individualised & Impactful Recommendations is designed to help you:

• Move away from outdated, compliance-driven report writing

• Write with confidence and clarity

• Offer meaningful, achievable strategies grounded in neuroaffirming values

Inside, you'll find:

• A recommendations checklist

• Reflection questions

• A framework that balances clinical responsibility with human-centred care

You don’t need to wait until you’re more experienced to practise in a values-aligned way. In fact, now is the perfect time to create a foundation that supports ethical, individualised, and affirming work.

Here's that link again. I can't wait to hear what you think!