April is Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, a time when we come together to foster understanding and support for the autistic community.
In this spirit, Gen Con has connected with our esteemed friends at Tangram, whom you will remember as our Official Gen Con Charity Partners in 2024.
We are eager to learn how to better support autistic individuals at large-scale events and conventions. Our heartfelt goal is to create a welcoming and enriching experience during the Best Four Days in Gaming™ for everyone, especially those in the autistic community.
This post is written by Kari Sheward MS, BCBA, Doctoral Candidate, Tangram Vice President of Behavioral Health and Clinical Services
For many people, spring marks the return of warm weather and a calendar full of exciting events—conventions, expos, fairs, and festivals. For individuals on the autism spectrum, these events can present unique challenges. Crowded spaces, unfamiliar environments, and overwhelming sensory input like loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells can create barriers to enjoying these experiences.
At Tangram, we believe that with the right support and preparation, everyone should have the opportunity to fully participate in their community—including attending large-scale events. In honor of Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, we’re sharing tips and strategies that can help make these experiences more inclusive and enjoyable for autistic individuals and their families.
Preparing to Attend a Large Event
1. Plan Ahead
Take time before the event to explore the layout and schedule. Many event websites offer maps, schedules, and even virtual tours. Identify essential areas like bathrooms, exits, food vendors, customer service booths, and any designated quiet or sensory-friendly spaces.
2. Create a Flexible Schedule
Highlight key activities or booths that are most interesting while also building in breaks. Downtime is essential for recharging and preventing sensory overload. A visual schedule or checklist can also help reduce anxiety about the unknown.
3. Pack a Sensory Toolkit
Bring along items that provide comfort and help regulate sensory input. This could include noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget tools, snacks, wearable compression items, or even a weighted lap pad—whatever works best for the individual.
4. Use Technology for Navigation
Some events have companion apps that include maps and real-time scheduling tools. If available, download the app and walk through the schedule and layout ahead of time. Seeing what to expect can ease worries and increase confidence.
A Note to Families and Individuals Attending a Large Event
If you or your loved one is planning to attend a large event, we want you to know this: you belong there. It’s okay to prepare a little differently, to take breaks, or to need extra support—and it’s more than okay to enjoy the experience in your own way.
Every person’s needs are unique, and what works for one family might not work for another. Trust your instincts, honor your comfort level, and know that you don’t have to do everything or stay for the whole day to make meaningful memories. Celebrate the moments that go well, and be gentle with yourselves if things don’t go as planned.
You are not alone in navigating these spaces. With a bit of planning, self-advocacy, and support from inclusive communities, conventions and large events can be joyful, welcoming, and enriching experiences for everyone.
Tangram is cheering you on—wherever your adventures take you.
How Event Organizers Can Support the Autism Community
Creating more inclusive environments doesn’t have to be complicated—small adjustments can make a big impact. Here are a few ways event planners can better support neurodiverse attendees:
- Offer sensory-friendly hours or provide designated quiet rooms for anyone needing a break from the crowd.
- Make signage clear and accessible, and ensure maps are easy to understand and available both digitally and in print.
- Train staff and volunteers in autism awareness and inclusive communication strategies so they can better support all guests.
- Provide optional identifiers, like neurodiversity-friendly lanyards or badges, so individuals can discreetly signal their needs.
- Ask for feedback from autistic attendees and their families—there’s no better way to improve than by listening to the people you aim to support.
Whether you’re attending a large event or helping to organize one, a little extra planning and a lot of compassion can go a long way. People with autism are just as excited to attend and enjoy conventions, festivals, and expos as anyone else—they simply may experience them differently.
By raising awareness and creating supportive environments, we move closer to a community where everyone can participate, connect, and belong.
About Tangram
Tangram is a dedicated team that provides disability services, programming, and care for all ages.
Tangram supports people with disabilities by designing services to meet their specific needs and desires. We assist them to live full, meaningful, and happy lives, at home and as members of their community. Tangram joins with community partners to create inclusive and sustainable solutions to challenges faced by those impacted by disabilities.
To learn more and discover additional resources, please visit www.thetangramway.org.
