A theatre company in Mildura, Victoria, is leading the way in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who are sensitive to sensory stimuli. For individuals like 10-year-old Amelia Judd, who has autism, ADHD, and general anxiety, traditional live performances can pose significant challenges due to factors like sudden loud noises and flashing lights that can be overwhelming.

Amelia’s mother, Jodie Judd, shared their family’s struggles in attending shows, often having to carefully select seating arrangements or even refraining from attending altogether to ensure Amelia’s comfort and prevent disruptions to other audience members. Recognizing the need for change, Electric Light Theatre embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to develop a visual story tailored to assist neurodivergent and sense-sensitive individuals in preparing for and enjoying live performances.

This innovative approach not only benefits individuals like Amelia but also addresses a broader societal need for increased accessibility and inclusivity in the arts. Organizations such as AMAZE Autism emphasize the importance of considering and accommodating the needs of individuals with “hidden” disabilities, such as autism, in event planning. The use of visual stories, or social scripts, has emerged as a promising tool to make events more accessible to autistic individuals by providing valuable information about the performance, sensory stimuli, and social expectations.

Alexandra Lazarus-Priestley, Chief Change Officer at AMAZE Autism, highlighted the significance of creating neuro-inclusive spaces and events, noting a growing awareness among event organizers regarding the importance of accommodating neurodivergent audiences. By incorporating visual stories into their events, theatre and production groups can enhance the overall experience for individuals with diverse sensory needs and communication styles.

Amelia expressed her appreciation for the visual story created by Electric Light Theatre, emphasizing the value of being able to preview and familiarize herself with the performance beforehand to feel calm and prepared. This proactive approach not only benefits individuals like Amelia but also provides peace of mind to parents and caregivers, allowing them to anticipate and address potential challenges during the show.

As the conversation around neurodiversity and inclusion continues to evolve, more theatre and production groups are encouraged to follow the lead of Electric Light Theatre in integrating visual stories and other neurodivergent-friendly practices into their performances. By fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding, the arts community can create truly inclusive experiences that cater to a diverse range of audience members, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with and enjoy live performances in a welcoming and supportive environment.