While sharing their experiences, our panelists also had some key takeaways about neurodiversity and events:

 

  • Communicate effectively: Neurodivergent people often process and communicate differently from neurotypical people, so event communications should go above and beyond to be comprehensive, direct, informative, accessible, and in advance. 
  • Provide choices: By offering flexibility and options, you can help to remove barriers of expectation that you have to experience an event in just one planned way. This gives neurodivergent people the opportunity to make their own choices on how to engage at an event. 
  • Give space:  Break rooms and recovery spaces can offer attendees a neutral space away from the main event and are crucial when it comes to creating inclusive spaces at events. 
  • Keep an eye out for inclusive spaces: While many businesses still have a lot of work to do when it comes to creating inclusive spaces for all brain types, some places have already made the change! There are airports that have quiet spaces to help with overstimulation, some restaurants will allow for extra time while dining, and more!
  • Be proud: Being neurodiverse comes with challenges, but you can harness it and use it as your superpower! Neurodiversity offers a unique way of looking at problems and the world.