The WholeAbility Flow™ Bubble Feeling Wheel is a visual emotional awareness and regulation tool designed to support individuals with disabilities to recognise body signals, connect sensations with emotions, and choose regulation strategies that work for them.

Rather than focusing on labels or managing behaviour, the wheel supports interoception, self-awareness, and choice — helping individuals care for their Bubble in ways that feel safe and empowering.

What the Bubble Feeling Wheel Supports

• Body awareness and noticing internal cues

• Understanding that feelings show up in the body

• Emotional awareness without judgement

• Regulation strategies matched to Bubble states

• Increased autonomy and self-advocacy

• Reduced emotional overwhelm through clear visual options

Who This Resource Is For

Suitable for use by:

• NDIS participants

• Support workers

• Allied health professionals

• Behaviour support practitioners

• Families and carers

Can be used across home, community, therapy, group programs, and supported living environments.

How to Use the Bubble Feeling Wheel

• Introduce the wheel during calm, connected moments

• Explore one Bubble at a time, starting with body clues

• Invite individuals to:

  • point

  • gesture

  • describe sensations

  • use AAC or symbols

• Use regulation strategies as options, not instructions

• During heightened moments:

  • support regulation first

  • return to the wheel later for reflection

Helpful prompts include:

• “How is your Bubble right now?”

• “What is your body noticing?”

• “Which Bubble feels closest?”

• “What might help your Bubble feel supported?”

Best Practice Principles

• Validate all Bubble states — there are no “bad” feelings

• Avoid rushing emotional naming

• Reflect observations using neutral language

• Respect that not everyone will want to engage verbally

• Allow individuals to personalise strategies

• Use patterns over time to inform support planning

Why This Approach Works

• Trauma-informed

• Neurodivergent-affirming

• Supports non-verbal communication

• Encourages self-awareness and choice

• Regulation-first, not behaviour-focused

• Flexible across ages and abilities

What’s Included

• Bubble Feeling Wheel (completed)

• Blank/customisable Bubble Feeling Wheel

• Guidance pages for safe and flexible use

Gentle Disclaimer

This resource is a supportive emotional awareness and regulation tool and does not replace therapeutic, clinical, or behaviour support plans.

Digital PDF download