In order to understand what an individual wants or needs, a DSP must:

To effectively understand what an individual wants or needs, observing their behavior is crucial. This approach allows the Direct Support Professional (DSP) to gather authentic and valuable information about the individual's preferences, emotions, and reactions in various situations. Behavioral observation can reveal non-verbal cues, such as body language or facial expressions, which can be incredibly informative in assessing needs or desires that the individual may not be able to articulate explicitly.

While meeting with the support team can provide insights into the individual's history and established care plans, it does not replace the importance of direct observation in real-time settings. Similarly, making a guess lacks the basis of informed judgment and could lead to misunderstandings or unmet needs. Asking a supervisor may yield some guidance, but it doesn't offer the direct experience that observing the individual would provide. Therefore, relying on personal behavioral observations is the most effective way for a DSP to understand an individual's unique wants and needs.