Autism-friendly gigs

Elly from our fundraising team is looking to put on a music event and wanted advice from all of you how to make it more autism-friendly. 

" I'm organising a fundraising gig in December for the NAS. We'll hopefully have some high-profile artists performing, and it will be in a big venue in central London (capacity of 1,500 people).
I would like to make the gig as autism-friendly as possible. So I'd really love to hear your thoughts on this.
What kind of changes would you need to feel comfortable going to a gig? For example, would you feel safer with a no moshing/pushing rule, or find it easier without strobe lighting or smoke effects?
Is there any kind of equipment we could provide? Would having ear plugs or ear defenders be useful?
Any thoughts that anyone on the Community has will be gratefully received and incorporated into the plan for the event. Whilst we know it's not possible to cater to everyone, I want to get as close to that as possible! "
Parents
  • The one thing that will stop me from going to concerts is General Admission. I like to know exactly where I will be sat and the seating also gives me a certain degree of personal space that standing venues just doesn't have.

    I did GA once when my favourite artist did his last UK show (he's one of my obsessions) and although I was with my friends who knew me and were quite good at supporting me I was so nervous about it that I couldn't look forward to the show.

    In light of that I'd suggest having some reservable seating for those on the spectrum that need this kind of thing to be able to enjoy the event.

Reply
  • The one thing that will stop me from going to concerts is General Admission. I like to know exactly where I will be sat and the seating also gives me a certain degree of personal space that standing venues just doesn't have.

    I did GA once when my favourite artist did his last UK show (he's one of my obsessions) and although I was with my friends who knew me and were quite good at supporting me I was so nervous about it that I couldn't look forward to the show.

    In light of that I'd suggest having some reservable seating for those on the spectrum that need this kind of thing to be able to enjoy the event.

Children
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