“I might hit developmental and societal milestones in a different order than my peers, but I am able to accomplish these small victories on my own time.” - Haley Moss

How to Handle Over-stimulation

and Concerts

This past weekend my child had the “best day of my life” kind of day when he finally attended Taylor Swift’s concert. Isa developed a special interest in Taylor Swift at a very young age. He listens to all her music on repeat and can recite every word for every song.

As a parent, I was concerned because a concert could be an overwhelming experience for someone with autism. The loud sounds, bright lights, and sweaty crowds could overwhelm someone who is oversensitive to sensory stimuli. But, if you’re prepared for the event you and your young adult child can have an amazing experience.

Here are my five tips for enjoying a concert! 👊

1. Outdoor vs indoor venues

This could be a matter of preference but keep in mind that outdoor concerts have bigger crowds and security have less control over crowd behavior. We were lucky that Taylor Swift’s fans seemed happy and really enjoying themselves making it a welcoming and fun event. A lot of people may even feel it’s a safe place to stim without it seeming too out of the ordinary.

Indoor events may feel a bit overwhelming and may result in a shutdown – an experience where an autistic person partially or completely withdraws from the world around them. Everyone is different, try them both and see which one works for you.

2. Be prepared for loud noises

Prepare yourself for the loud noises. Isa usually wears earplugs when attending a place that may have overwhelming noises. However, earphones and noise-cancelling headphones are also effective to block out irritating environmental noise by producing calming white noise. Isa prefers earplugs made of foam, but you can find them made of wax as well. They’re both worth trying to determine which one is more comfortable for you.

3. Be prepared for flashing lights

Concerts during the night may have lights that are too bright to handle. Taylor Swift had one of the best lighting effects I have ever seen. To protect yourself you may have to invest in some sunglasses. Sunglasses are helpful for really bright lights. If you don’t have sunglasses, look down at the floor when the lights are too bright.

4. Choose sitting

You may be the artist’s number one fan and want to be very close or at the “pit.” However, keep in mind that where you choose to sit could determine your overall experience. Paying a little extra for decent seats in large arenas may help you avoid strangers touching you, claustrophobia, and even reduced exposure to unpleasant odors. It’s also okay to stand near the back or leave the main room if things get too overwhelming.

5. Enjoy yourself

Remember that everyone is paying attention to the artist. Don’t feel self-conscious about being yourself. You’re with people who love the artist as much as you do. Relax and enjoy!