“Nerve Divergence” is a non-medical term that describes people whose brain develops or works differently. As defined by the Cleveland Clinic, “This means that the person’s brain development or more common people (neurotype) have different advantages and struggles. While some people with neural differences have specific conditions, such as ADHD, it also applies to people whose medical conditions or diagnosis has not been identified.”
Until recently, as awareness of neurodiversity grew, conference organizers took steps to create an inclusive environment to prevent attendees from feeling alienated.
Here are 10 things planners can do:
1. Educate yourself, your staff and your attendees
Raise awareness among attendees, understand exactly what is neural meaning, and how event organizers work to accommodate these attendees. Consider training your event staff about the needs of attendees with neurological differences, or work with an agency that provides dedicated training for employees. Establishing this support structure allows the attendees of the nerve partner to be at a loss to know that skilled people can help them when needed.
2. Look at your voice
Sound = overstimulating. Avoid loud sounds during your event or warn the program in advance to avoid surprise attendees. Create a quiet room where noise is greatly reduced to overwhelm attendees. Consider providing headphones to further cancel noise, or letting them play their own music privately.
3. Avoid bright or flickering lighting
Bright lights, coupled with the visual effects commonly used in events, can also overstimulate the attendees with nerve emanating. Use a face-up lamp to avoid glare or soft lighting.
4. Adapt to mood
Some neurotic people engage in self-stimulation behaviors, also known as stimulation. It usually involves repetitive behaviors, such as swinging or repeating words, or in extreme cases, picky and mind-boosting. Consider providing an environment where attendees can be comfortably stimulated, possibly providing them with tools for stimulation, such as irritability.
5. Refreshments and meals are available
Make sure attendees who choose to spend their time in a quiet room can access the same refreshments offered at the event, where they can eat if they like.
6. No fragrance
Ideally, events should be fragrance-free or used perfume that won’t overwhelm or trigger a feeling of overload. Some essential oils, such as lavender and eucalyptus, are known for their calming effects or are not used at all.
7. Consider your color
Vibrant colors can cause excessive stimulation of feelings. Therefore, a neutral or soft palette can be better suited for participants with neural differences in their dedicated space.
8. Demix
For some neurological differences, the stress of social interaction and the skills required to attend live events make it completely impossible for them to do this. The hybrid event provides them with the opportunity to still participate.
9. Provide session records and transcripts
Many event technology providers now offer conversation records, subtitles, or AI transcripts.
10. Open to feedback
When planning events that are contained in the neural, it is crucial to ask questions and open up to feedback before, during and after the activity. Planners can send anonymous surveys or have people receive feedback on the spot.
