Make Your Events Neurodivergent-Friendly

This article by Ben Falk first appeared on WMPeople.co.uk on 25 July 2023. The assets of WMPeople.co.uk have been acquired by 55/Redefined.

Approximately 25% of CEOs in the UK are dyslexic, with creativity and big picture thinking being likely key factors in the extraordinary link between dyslexia and entrepreneurship. And yet, despite that link, the working world is created for neurotypical employees by default.

But knowing this, it is worth considering how to change things if you’re organising a work event. The team at BeaconHouse Events have shared their advice on how to take steps to create a neuro-inclusive event that means that every voice in the room has the opportunity to contribute and enjoy meaningful interactions.

Have Conversations

About 15% of the UK is neurodivergent, so you don’t need to guess at how to make your events more inclusive – just ask! Speak to people who live with neurodiversity and understand where adjustments can be made to create more inclusive spaces and increase the number of people who feel happy and confident to attend your event. Take the approach of ‘not about us, without us’ and have honest conversations with people with lived experience, to ensure that your efforts are really what they need and want, rather than just ticking a box.

Communicate Clearly

If you’re taking specific measures to make neurodivergent people feel comfortable, talk about it ahead of time. Your guests might not be comfortable being open about their needs or asking for adjustments. However, knowing in advance that you have considered different options can break down barriers to attendance, as well as raise awareness and understanding in others.

Be Detail-Orientated

Create a plainly-worded pack of information that can be picked up at reception or downloaded, that answers frequently asked questions. This can ease anxiety. Alongside the general information that all guests would find helpful, answer things such as: how can you ask questions during the day?; are there clear floorplans with information about the venue with maps and pictures?; and how can you speak to staff if you have an issue?

Curate Your Environment

Think about the environment as a whole and what it will be like to spend time in. Avoid pungeant food (which can cause overstimulation), turn down or remove bright lights, and create a pleasant temperature which doesn’t fluctuate between hot and cold. If guests have to move between locations, especially between inside and outside, remember to communicate any clothing or footwear requirements so everyone can plan accordingly.

Create Quiet Spaces

The hustle and bustle of busy events can be overwhelming but by creating a quiet space, and clearly communicating the purpose of that space, you can carve out a safe space to escape. This space should be for everyone to make the most of, but take steps to help guests understand that it is a sanctuary away from the event activities and not a place for meetings or phone calls. Curate your space to have low or dim lighting, no noise or distractions, lots of space to spread out and place it away from catering so there are no strong odours.

Inclusive Giveaways

When you are planning your branded event goodie bags and giveaways, consider gifts that will be helpful to neurodivergent guests on the day. This could be noise-cancelling earplugs to combat background noise and loud areas, fidget toys to reduce anxiety or sunglasses to dull bright, overpowering lighting. Badges could also be given away when guests arrive to show whether they are open to social interactions, like handshakes, or not.

Use Technology

Hybrid experiences are a fantastic way of engaging with a wide range of audiences who are not able to be there in person. However, if a fully hybrid option isn’t possible, consider a breakout space with pods and headphones where guests can listen to keynote speakers, without having to sit in a busy conference hall where there often isn’t a lot of personal space.