Neurodiversity in Events

Introduction

20% of the population is neurodivergent; this means that neuroinclusive events automatically include a significant section of the population.

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Neuroinclusion matters

Making your events more neuroinclusive doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. A little effort goes a long way.

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Simple, effective solutions

This checklist, developed by Welcome Brain Consulting, ABPCO, and EICC, provides clear, accessible steps to help event organisers create neuroinclusive events.

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Practical guidance

How It Works:

  • Three Tiers
    Choose Silver, Gold, or Platinum based on your event’s capacity and resources.

  • Promote your efforts!
    Fully completing a tier will allow you to market your event as neuroinclusive (e.g. “Gold-Level Neuroinclusive Event”).

    Once you have completed a tier, email info@welcomebrain.com to book a short assessment call and access your digital resource toolkit with marketing materials.

    N.B. If some items in the tier list don’t apply to your event or venue, you do not have to complete them to be classed as having completed the tier.

Need a hard copy? Download this guide as a PDF.

Overview of Neurodivergent Conditions and Their Representation in this Guide

Neurodivergence includes a range of conditions that influence how individuals process information, communicate, and engage with the world. Click to learn more about each condition as it relates to events and event planning.

ADHD

Key Needs: Flexibility, opportunities for movement, engaging content, and tools to manage focus.

  • Dynamic break options and reminders via event apps.
  • Interactive content formats (e.g., visually rich slides and AI-generated summaries).
  • Quiet networking areas for those who feel overwhelmed in large social settings.

Anxiety Disorders

Key Needs: Predictability, low-stress environments, and calming tools.

  • Pre-event video tours and clear agendas to reduce uncertainty.
  • Colour-coded quiet zones for attendees to recharge.
  • Calming kits with tools like stress balls, fidget items, and VR relaxation aids.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Key Needs: Reduced background noise, clear auditory input, and access to written or visual alternatives.

  • Real-time AI transcription services for live captions.
  • Assistive listening devices and apps to filter out background noise.
  • Noise-dampening materials and soundproof booths in networking and social areas.

Autism

Key Needs: Sensory sensitivity (light, sound, textures), clear communication, predictable environments, and access to quiet spaces.

  • Dedicated quiet rooms with calming tools like weighted blankets and sensory-friendly lighting.
  • Low-sensory pathways and colour-coded break areas to minimise overstimulation.
  • Clear pre-event communication, including visual schedules and video tours, to reduce uncertainty.

Bipolar Disorder

Key Needs: Flexible attendance options, opportunities to manage energy levels, and support for mood regulation.

  • Hybrid participation options, allowing attendees to join virtually or access on-demand recordings.
  • Energy-regulation spaces, such as quiet zones and engaging breakout sessions.
  • Guided relaxation activities like yoga or mindfulness exercises during breaks.

Dyscalculia

Key Needs: Simplified numeric and spatial information, visual aids, and alternatives to complex schedules.

  • Visual schedules and flowcharts instead of purely time-based agendas.
  • Clear signage with non-numeric identifiers (e.g., colour-coded or named rooms).
  • Step-by-step instructions and printed agendas to aid navigation.

Dyslexia

Key Needs: Accessible reading materials, clear fonts, and alternatives to dense text.

  • Use of dyslexia-friendly fonts (Arial, Lexend, Verdana) and high-contrast slides.
  • Alternative formats such as plain text, large print, and audio versions of materials.
  • Simple, consistent formatting with bullet points and short sections to aid readability.

Dyspraxia

Key Needs: Assistance with physical navigation, minimising coordination challenges, and access to ergonomic seating.

  • Wide aisles and step-free access throughout venues.
  • Assistance for transporting materials and staggered entry to reduce stress in queues.
  • Adjustable seating and tables to accommodate individual physical needs.

Epilepsy

Key Needs: Avoidance of strobe lighting, clear safety protocols, and seizure-safe environments.

  • Prohibition of strobe lights and clear marking of visually intense content.
  • Visual and tactile emergency cues to supplement auditory alarms.
  • Staff trained in seizure response and emergency protocols.

Misophonia

Key Needs: Options to manage sensitivity to specific sounds, access to quiet spaces, and personal noise reduction strategies.

  • Designated quiet zones with noise-dampening materials.
  • Availability of earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones upon request.
  • Flexible seating arrangements to minimise exposure to triggering sounds.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Key Needs: Predictability, personal control over their environment, and the ability to manage compulsions and anxiety discreetly.

  • Clear, detailed schedules and advance communication to reduce uncertainty and unexpected changes.
  • Quiet spaces available throughout the event for private self-regulation.
  • Personal-use materials (e.g., pens, notebooks) available on request to minimise the need for shared items.
  • Flexible seating options that allow attendees to position themselves comfortably and exit discreetly if needed.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Key Needs: Customisable sensory environments, low-stimulation areas, and tools to manage overstimulation.

  • Adjustable lighting, noise control, and sensory-friendly kits.
  • Quiet rooms with tactile, visual, and auditory calming aids.
  • Real-time environmental adjustments via attendee apps for personal sensory control.

Tourette Syndrome

Key Needs: A judgment-free environment, flexibility to manage involuntary tics, and options for discreet participation.

  • Judgment-free policies explicitly communicated to staff and attendees.
  • Flexible seating arrangements near exits for discreet management of tics.
  • Quiet spaces and support for managing stress-induced triggers.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and neurodivergence varies by individual.

Best Practices Overview for Including Neurodivergent People in Events

Creating neuroinclusive events starts with one fundamental principle: empowering attendees to personalise their experience. Below are the key themes to consider when planning neuroinclusive events—click to learn more.

Inclusive Design

The best way to create a neuroinclusive event is to plan the event with a neurodiverse team. Ensuring that neurodivergent voices are heard at the planning stage will give your event a solid neuroinclusive foundation and will often prevent challenges from emerging when they are too late to address. Consider appointing a named Neuroinclusion Lead — a person on your team who takes ownership of neuroinclusive provisions. This can be done at any event level. At its simplest, it means one person knows where everything is and can respond if needed.

Communication

Clear and accessible communication is essential. Provide detailed pre-event materials that allow attendees to plan ahead, including schedules, maps, and instructions. Use multiple formats to cater to different needs, such as text, visuals, and video. Throughout the event, maintain transparent, consistent communication that ensures attendees know what to expect.

Quiet Spaces

Designate quiet spaces for attendees who need to decompress or step away from the activity. These spaces should be easily accessible, comfortable, and available throughout the event. Quiet areas are a cornerstone of neuroinclusion, providing a safe retreat for attendees to regulate sensory input.

Sensory Considerations

Events should minimise overstimulation by considering lighting, sound, smell, and layout. Use neutral colours, adjustable lighting, and noise management tools to create a more adaptable environment. By offering sensory-friendly settings, organisers can accommodate diverse preferences and needs.

Accessible Content

Make all event materials available in accessible formats, such as large print, plain text, and audio. During sessions, provide live captioning and ensure speakers deliver content in a way that is clear and engaging for all attendees. Content accessibility ensures everyone can fully participate and process information in their own phase, regardless of their neurodivergence. Many computer programmes now offer a ‘check accessibility’ option, which makes reviewing content more straightforward.

Networking and Social Opportunities

Networking can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals. Create structured, low-pressure opportunities that allow attendees to connect in ways that feel comfortable for them. Offer smaller group settings, one-on-one options, or quieter spaces for conversations.

Flexible Options

Flexibility is key. Enable attendees to personalise their schedules, seating arrangements, and sensory environments. Provide tools, such as apps or on-site staff, that allow attendees to tailor the event experience to their needs.

Feedback and Improvement

Collect feedback from attendees to evaluate how well the event met their needs. Use this input to improve future events, ensuring neuroinclusion evolves alongside attendee expectations.

Neurodiversity In Events: Checklist

1. Pre-Event Communication

2. Venue and Physical Environment

3. Content and Presentations

4. Technology and Support

5. Networking and Social Events

6. Sensory Considerations

7. Breaks and Timing

8. Food and Beverage

9. Staffing and Training

10. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Need a hard copy?

Download the full guide and checklist in whatever format works best for you and your team - a printable PDF, or a shareable spreadsheet.

Ready to make your events neuroinclusive?

Welcome Brain is here to help. Get in touch to learn more about consulting and CPD-certified training for event teams.