It’s becoming a thing in 2024.
I live in Brighton and today was the Brighton Marathon. I would normally have run it, as I’m an avid long distance runner, but didn’t this year due to injury (though I did go on to cheer the runners). The day before, on my morning dog walk, I wandered about the seafront where the marathon finish line was being set up, and I stumbled upon something that really warmed my heart:
Not only was there a reflection tent but a NEURODIVERGENT space. On their website, Brighton marathon described it thus:
“If the crowds and noise are overwhelming and you need a calming and soothing spot, we also provide a quiet space at the finish for neurodivergent participants.”
Brighton Marathon organisers recognised that neurodiverse runners will be WIPED after running 26.2 miles, just at the point where they will be surrounded enormous crowds at the finish line.
What this lovely little addition to the marathon told me was that neurodiversity is increasingly being planned into the design of massive, international events.
Here’s a few more 2024 events this year that will cater to neurodivergent folk:
Glastonbury festival will have multiple sensory calm tents all about the festival. It will have adjustable lighting, textures, and sounds, a well as weighted blankets and ear defenders.
MCM Comic Con has the Reset Room, a quiet space run by Gaming the Mind, a charity of mental health experts who combine healthcare expertise with a passion for video games and geek culture. They provide lo-fi activities to help people rest and recharge.
Dublin City Council are running Ireland’s first ever Neurodivergent Friendly Festival as part of Autism awareness month in April. Sensoria is a celebration of the neurodiverse community through a considered and creative live outdoor event experience.
The BFI runs Relaxed Screenings for autistic people and their carers/ companions. Seats are spaced out, the volume is slightly turned down, customers can make noise if they want, and can leave and return as needed.
What this means is that we are starting to be catered for at otherwise overwhelming events, which is one small step closer to normalisation.
As a result, people who identify as neurodivergent can and should look up if an event they’d like to attend has a neurodivergent-friendly space. It’s also perfectly reasonable to check and even suggest to organisers that they make this happen. The future will be events that have neurodiversity baked into the design so the whole experience is inclusive, not just a little room – but one step at a time. 🙂
University of Brighton fine Art (Painting) submission 
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