I’m often contacted by parents asking whether my show is suitable for their autistic child. They’re understandably concerned – will their child be able to sit still? Will they engage? Will they enjoy it? You’re certainly not alone – these are questions I hear regularly.
I’ve performed at many birthday parties for autistic children, and thanks to the thoughtful input of parents, I’ve been able to shape a format that helps ensure the experience is happy, inclusive, and stress-free. Over time, this approach has consistently created positive, inclusive experiences for a wide range of children.
Here’s how I make the show comfortable and enjoyable for autistic children:
🎈 Check with parents
I take the time to chat with parents to understand what might overwhelm them and how I can adjust the experience accordingly. Every child is different, which is why I never take a one-size-fits-all approach.
🔉 Sensory-friendly adjustments
I avoid loud sounds, and like to keep things calm and gentle. If your child is especially sensitive to sound, just let me know as I can easily adapt. I don’t have any lights in the show.
🌟 Optional participation
There’s never any pressure to join in. Children can take part when they’re ready, or not at all. Some prefer to watch quietly from the side, and that’s completely fine. The show is built to include everyone, whatever their comfort level.
🚶♂️ Freedom to move
During my show, I encourage the children to sit and enjoy the performance, as this helps everyone stay focused and ensures a calm, enjoyable experience. However, I completely understand that some autistic children may feel the need to move around, take a break, or watch from a different spot – and that’s absolutely fine. They’re always welcome to step away and return when they feel ready without any pressure or disruption.
⏳ Predictable structure and visual style
The show follows a predictable, well-paced structure, helping children feel secure and settled.
With physical comedy, visual magic, and clear visual storytelling, the show naturally appeals to many autistic children, who often respond best to performances that communicate more through action than words.
One of the most heart-warming moments I’ve had performing happened when a parent told me they had never seen their autistic child engage so much with something before. They were genuinely overcome with emotion. It was a few years ago now, but I still remember feeling completely blown away that my show could have that kind of impact. It was a really special moment. I put a heck of a lot of effort into my show, and I’m proud to have created something that truly moves an audience.