How neurodivergent meet-ups are creating sensory-friendly spaces to socialize

A meet-up event for neurodivergent Calgarians has been creating sensory-friendly environments around the city.

NeuroNights, hosted by New Heights School and Learning Services, anorganization for supporting people on the autism spectrum, is a sensory-friendly meet-up event designed with neurodiversity in mind.

Neurodivergence is a non-medical umbrella term that can be used to describe the variety of ways people's brains process information. The term encompasses community members on the autism spectrum, those with ADHD, people withbrain injuries, and many more.

Rachel Thorne, a community and employment coach with New Heights, says that while NeuroNights are tailored for neurodivergent folks, everyone is welcome.

"We're trying to accommodate as much as we can with as much as we know," Thorne told CBC Radio host Loren McGinnis on theCalgary Eyeopener.

So how is NeuroNights making these meet-ups sensory-friendly?

Events feature dimmed lighting, low music levels, condensed and simplified menus, quiet areas awayfrom crowds, and fidget objects. Plus, the events are ticketed to ensure venues will only be about two-thirds full, limiting crowds and loud conversations.

It's all about creating an environment that limits overwhelming elements, says Thorne.

"I have so many memories of being a kid, in a restaurant, and being completely overwhelmed. At the time, I didn't really know what it meant," said Thorne, who is neurodivergent herself.

"I remember ordering food was impossible for me. My whole family would have ordered their food and I'd just be sitting there, staring at the menu, not taking anything in."

She says that often the restaurant experience is a sensory overload for neurodivergent people, who have a hard time blocking out distractions and socializing in uncomfortable settings.

First-time NeuroNights attendee Tristan, whose last nameCBC News has agreed not to use to protect his privacy,says the event was a good experience for anyone looking for a new way to socialize within their comfort zone.

"Everybody there was very friendly, and I could tell everybody was having a good time," Tristantold CBC News in an interview.

"I would recommend it to anybody else I know who is neurodivergent."

Tristanattended the seconditeration of NeuroNights, which took place at Cabin Brewing last month.

LISTEN | NeuroNights organizer explains the sensory-friendly event:

Calgary Eyeopener7:33Neurodiverse meet-up

Attendees also had the opportunity to wear coloured wristbands to indicate their personal comfort levels with having a conversation, and were able to swap for a different colour whenever. Tristan called the wristbands a "great feature" that added to the sensory-friendliness of the event.

"Sometimes some people get shy when it comes to socializing."

New Heights has partnered withlocal breweries to hostthe NeuroNights event. They've now hosted two meet-ups, with plans for a third sometime in the future.

Thorne says creating a sensory-friendly environment can be a simple way for businesses to accommodate a more diverse range of customers.

"We want to show the community that, if you do these few things, more of us are going to be able to come and join in the life of Calgary," she said. "It makes everything better."