Encourage me to make short rhythmic patterns on percussion

Offer me a range of handheld percussion instruments to play bursts of rhythm on

Encourage me to play the same rhythmic pattern on different instruments – drums of different kinds, tambourines, wooden blocks …
… and different rhythms on the same instrument
Start by using motifs from familiar songs that you know I enjoy
You could also use ideas from Soundabout Music Tracks: Motifs
Gradually try to expand my repertoire of rhythms
Borrow a digital drum machine, and see whether that appeals to me; I may be able to play it with my fingers or with sticks
If I find making the movements needed to make a sound physically difficult, try using beam or gesture-recognition technology on a tablet
Record what I do for future interest and to let other carers know what I can do