A social narrative (aka social story) helps neurodivergent adults, neurodivergent children, neurotypical individuals with anxiety, and others better understand how the process works once one arrives at the venue. What does the entrance look like? How are tickets checked? Is there security screening? Are there any other steps required before finding a seat?

A social narrative is a way to help orient the person to the venue and process, decreasing anxiety and increasing the likelihood of a successful experience. 75% of neurodivergent individuals research a venue online before visiting.

A Sensory Guide, which should be done for EVERY show, even when you are not having a Relaxed performance, helps patrons make an informed decision whether or not they should attend your show. It can also help a patron decide whether to purchase a ticket to your standard show or to your Relaxed performance. View an example Sensory Guide.

According to Cleveland Clinic, “neurodiversity” is a word used to explain the unique ways people’s brains work. While everyone’s brain develops similarly, no two brains function the same. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or “neurotypical” person.

We no longer use neurodiverse as the adjective for the person (we say “neurodivergent person” not “neurodiverse person”). This is a common misunderstanding. Example usage: A neurodivergent person lives in a world full of neurodiversity.

While all these terms are focused on inclusion, they do mean different things! A Relaxed performance optimizes the audience etiquette and experience around inclusion. A Sensory-Friendly performance goes a step further and also makes modifications to the production. Sensory Accessible is an umbrella term and means that one or more accessibilty accommodations has been added. For example, a show with a Sensory Guide is a sensory accessible show. Relaxed performances and Sensory-Friendly shows are sensory accessible, but a sensory accessible show doesn’t necessarily offer a Relaxed performance or Sensory-Friendy performance.

A Relaxed performance modifies the etiquette and expectations of the audience environment to optimize the experience for neurodivergent patrons. Importantly, neurodivergent patrons are welcome in the main auditorium in a judgment-free environment. Patrons may use fidget devices, electronic devices, and other accommodations during the performance. They may get up and step out during the performance. Separate sensory spaces outside the auditorium should exist for children and adults separately, as neurodivergent adult attendees have different needs from neurodivergent children attendees. Attendees of any age should never be proactively directed to the sensory space, as the goal is inclusion not segregation.

A Sensory-Friendly performance does everything a Relaxed performance does but goes one step further and modifies the production to modify the music and other production elements that may not be appropriate in an inclusive performance.

Please do either, whichever works better for your needs! If you need consultation to help decide, please contact us. Please always do a Sensory Guide, even when you are not able to do a Relaxed performance.

This is a controversial question. Many advocates will say yes, absolutely do every show as inclusive. But the reality is you also have patrons who want and expect traditional theatre etiquette. While inclusion is always the goal, there is no shame in having a separate, designated Relaxed show to supplement your standard shows. The important point is to have the option as much as possible and also for your adult shows. Sensory differences do not suddenly change at age 18, and neurodivergent adults also benefit from Relaxed performances.

Being autistic is one example of being neurodivergent. An autistic person is always neurodivergent; a neurodivergent person is not necessarily autistic.

A separate sensory space, ideally one for adults and one for children, is a valuable component in a Relaxed performance. However, it is just a component and not the solution itself. The goal with inclusion is for neurodivergent community members to enjoy theatre alongside their community, in the main auditorium, and not segregated away from their community. Segregation does not equal inclusion. If your theatre has sensory spaces, this is a great head start towards creating a proper Sensory-Friendly experience, since you already have one of the recommended components.

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