Parties are a great way to bring people together and create lifelong memories with friends and family. That’s why it is important to consider all of your guest’s needs – including those who are neurodivergent.
This means their brains naturally process and see the world in a unique way - like people who have autism (also known as ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
To make sure all your guests have a great time, we want to create a neuroinclusive space. This just means making a few small tweaks so that every kind of brain feels welcome, safe, and happy.
What does it mean to be neuroinclusive?
The world isn't always built for people whose brains work differently. Sometimes, a regular party can feel too loud, too bright, or too overwhelming. This can make it hard for neurodivergent guests to talk, relax, or join in on the fun.
This is why neuroinclusion is important: it means creating a space where everyone, no matter whether they are neurodivergent or not, can feel safe and included.
By making social spaces a little more flexible, we can make sure everybody gets to join the fun in a way that makes them feel comfortable and understood.
How to create a neuroinclusive environment
Here are some easy things you can do to set up your party space:
- Watch out for sensory overload: This happens when there is too much going on around you (like too much noise or flashing lights) and your brain gets overwhelmed. Anyone can experience sensory overwhelm, but it happens more easily to neurodivergent people.
- Create a calm room: Set up a separate space where someone can go to rest and get away if they need to. We’ll cover how to create a calm room in more detail a little later in this article.
- Manage the lights and sound: Avoid super bright or blinking lights. Use soft, warm lamps instead, or use LED lightbulbs that can be controlled through a mobile app. If a game or music is going to be loud, have some noise-cancelling headphones ready for anyone who needs them.
- Multiple seating options: Sitting still in a regular chair for a long time can be tough. Offer fun choices like bean bags, floor cushions, or wobble cushions so people can move around comfortably, or let your guests stand if they would prefer.
- Share the plan: Let people know what is going to happen before they arrive and provide them a schedule so they know what to expect.
- Don’t judge: Some people need to leave early or to sit out of certain activities. Remember to respect their choices without judging them and let your guests look after themselves as they see fit.
- Ask for their input: The best trick of all is to ask your friends before the party: ‘Is there anything I can do to make the party more fun for you?’
Creating neuroinclusive parties
Here is how you can apply these rules to different types of gatherings:
Kids' birthday parties
- Keep the music at a medium volume and avoid strong smells like scented candles.
- Set up a ‘sensory table’ with things like playdough, water beads, or arts and crafts so kids can create things with their hands.
- Put up a visual timeline (using pictures) showing when it's time for games, when it's time for cake, and when the party ends. This helps kids who don't like sudden surprises.
Parties for adults
- Make sure there is a calm room where people can get away from the noise if they’re starting to feel overwhelmed. We’ll cover calm rooms in the next section of this article.
- Offer lower-energy activities like board games or jigsaw puzzles.
- Send out the party schedule and location early so guests can plan ahead.
Dinner parties
- Some people really dislike certain food textures or tastes. Ask your guests about their favourite foods (and what they can't eat) ahead of time.
- Sitting at a table for a long time can be tricky. Put some fidget toys on the table to help guests stay calm and focused.
- Use fun ‘conversation cards’ with simple questions on them to help everyone start talking and laughing together easily.
How to create a calm room
Sometimes, the party can become a little overwhelming even after all of your neuroinclusive adjustments.
That’s why creating a calm room is important; it gives your guests the option to step away from the party for a moment, to destress, and come back to the party when they feel ready.
You can easily make a calm room by following these steps:
- Step 1: Cut out the noise. Turn off loud TVs, computers, or buzzing appliances.
- Step 2: Dim the lights. Use warm bulbs or lamps instead of overhead lights.
- Step 3: Keep colours soft. Bright, neon colours can hurt sensitive eyes. Stick to calm colours like soft blues, greens, or greys.
- Step 4: Offer low energy toys or activities, like puzzles, books, or fidget spinners, to help your guests relax and unwind.
- Step 5: Make it cosy. Add plenty of soft blankets, fluffy pillows, and comfy rugs.
When you give people choices and a space to relax, everyone wins!
Learning more about neurodiverse minds
Above all else, learning more about neurodiverse conditions like autism, ADHD, or specific learning differences can help you better understand how a person’s brain works, and how they can be accommodated.
We have created a series of articles to help you better understand neurodivergent conditions, including: