This informal CPD article, ‘Autism and Attending public events: Understanding and Supporting Our Children’ was provided by Dr. Catherine O’Farrell of Incluzun HR Consultancy, who provide Quality Learning Support Assistants around The United Arab Emirates.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive the world and interact with others. While no two autistic individuals are the same, common areas of difference include communication, sensory processing, social interaction, and flexible thinking. These differences can present unique challenges — and opportunities — particularly in structured social settings like public events.
This article will focus on how autism might affect children attending public events and, more importantly, how we can support them to feel included, comfortable, and valued within the community.
Understanding Autism in Social and Sensory Contexts
Children on the autism spectrum often process sensory input differently from neurotypical peers. Sounds that others may hardly notice — like a creaking chair or the rustle of a bag can feel overwhelming. Bright lights, unfamiliar smells like incense, and crowded spaces can lead to sensory overload.
Social expectations during public events such as remaining seated, making eye contact, standing or kneeling at certain times can also be challenging. These demands may conflict with an autistic child’s need for movement, emotional regulation strategies, or sensory accommodations. The volume when speakers announce can be highly disturbing for a child with audio sensitivity.
Additionally, language used during events may be abstract or metaphorical, making it harder for some autistic children to follow. Children who thrive on literal understanding may struggle with concepts presented symbolically or poetically in certain ceremonies.
In 2006, Baranek et al researched sensory experiences in children with Autism, they found that children with autism demonstrate significantly higher levels of sensory hypersensitivity and sensory-seeking behaviours compared to neurotypical peers. The findings support the need for sensory adaptations in environments such as public events, where auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli can become overwhelming. (1)
Specific Challenges During public events
Here are some ways attending a public event might uniquely impact a child with autism:
- Sensory Overload: The mixture of sounds, visual stimuli, scents, and physical proximity to others can overwhelm a child's nervous system, leading to anxiety, meltdowns, or withdrawal.
- Social Norms and Unwritten Rules: public settings often expect silent listening, stillness, and specific social behaviors. For an autistic child, these expectations might be confusing or extremely stressful, especially if they aren't explained in a direct, visual, and supportive way.
- Change and Unpredictability: Ceremonies may vary slightly from week to week or include unexpected elements (e.g., a special choir performance). Autistic children often prefer predictability and routine, so unanticipated changes can cause distress.
- Communication Barriers: Participating in communal responses, prayers, or singing hymns may be difficult for children who are non-verbal, selectively mute, or who have language processing difficulties.
- Emotional Regulation: If a child becomes overwhelmed, they may exhibit behaviors such as stimming (self-stimulatory behavior), pacing, or needing to leave the room — behaviors that might be misunderstood by others without awareness of autism.
Partner with parents
Strategies for Support and Inclusion
Public events play a vital role in providing a sense of belonging.
A 2014 randomized controlled trial showed that structured sensory supports significantly improved self-regulation and participation in daily activities. The results reinforce the importance of sensory-friendly spaces and movement accommodations in community settings. (2)
With a few mindful strategies, they can better support autistic children and their families:
- Prepare Ahead:
Families can visit the venue during quieter times to familiarize the child with the space. Visual schedules or social stories outlining what will happen during the event can help reduce anxiety.
- Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces:
Allow families to sit near an exit or in a quiet corner. Having a designated “sensory break” area where children can retreat to if overwhelmed can make a huge difference.
- Flexible Seating and Movement:
Encourage acceptance of children who may need to stand, sit differently, or move around quietly. Some children regulate better when allowed to quietly fidget or pace.
- Educate the Attendees:
Providing gentle education to the wider community about autism can build understanding and reduce judgment. Remember, inclusion is everyone's responsibility.
- Adapt Communication:
Using visual supports, simplifying language during children’s activities, and offering clear, literal explanations can make ceremonies more accessible.
- Partner with Parents:
Parents are the experts on their children. Open communication about the child's needs, strengths, and strategies helps create an environment where children can thrive.
A Broader Perspective: Community, and Autism
Inclusion is not merely about physical presence; it’s about meaningful participation. When we truly welcome autistic children into our event spaces, we affirm their dignity, their worth, and their value to the community.
A 2017 review highlights that intolerance of uncertainty is a core contributor to anxiety in autistic individuals. Predictable routines and preparatory strategies, such as visual schedules or social stories, significantly reduce distress in unfamiliar social settings. (3)
It’s also important to recognize that attending public is not simply about ticking a box of participation. For many families, attending events is a deep source of joy, hope, and belonging — and they want their children to experience that too. But if attending is traumatic or unmanageable for the child, it’s okay for families to find creative alternatives, such as attending sensory-friendly services or engaging in faith practices at home.
In the long term, some venues have successfully implemented specific "sensory-friendly services," shorter and quieter with more flexibility built into the format. Initiatives like these show that communities can evolve, adapt, and embrace diversity without losing their heart.
Final Thoughts
Autistic children are full members of our communities. They bring unique gifts, perspectives, and ways of engaging with the world. Our challenge and our opportunity is to ensure that our venues are not just places where they are tolerated but places where they are celebrated.
When we listen to autistic voices, learn from families, and adapt our practices, we build stronger, more compassionate communities for everyone. Inclusion is not a favor; it is a fundamental expression of who we are called to be.
Let’s be the change that makes every child, every family, feel truly at home.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Incluzun HR Consultancy, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
References:
- Baranek, G. T., David, F. J., Poe, M. D., Stone, W. L., & Watson, L. R. (2006). Sensory Experiences Questionnaire: Discriminating sensory features in young children with autism. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47(6), 591–601.
- Schaaf, R. C., Benevides, T., Mailloux, Z., et al. (2014). An intervention for sensory difficulties in children with autism: A randomized trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44, 1493–1506.
- South, M., Rodgers, J., & Van Hecke, A. (2017). Anxiety and ASD: Current research and future directions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47, 3379–3391.
