For the neurodiverse, Purple Fest to have calming, dark rooms

Panaji: The International Purple Fest, besides being accessible to persons with physical disabilities, is also making safe spaces for neurodiverse persons — those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, and other sensory processing disorders.

At any festival, there is expected to be a range of different sounds, movements, and changing scenarios, which can be barriers for those who have sensory sensitivity.

The festival will have a calming room — a dedicated space for people to manage overstimulation. This will be equipped with calming elements like soft lighting, soothing music, tactile objects, and comfortable seating, with the goal to provide a sensory refuge where people can regulate their nervous system and regain composure, said Shivani Shah, founder, Sensory All, that is working to create accessible spaces for persons with disabilities with a focus on neurodiverse persons.

Apart from the calming room, there will also be a dark room with no direct light but different visual stimulants, art-based activities to relax, and even a bed to sleep in.

“As the noise level and number of people at a festival cannot be controlled, neurodiverse persons might have sensory overload where they’re not able to process all that is happening around them, and may experience a meltdown situation,” she said.

Due to them having to navigate such a challenging environment, many neurodiverse people avoid festivals or leave after a short while.

It was decided to introduce the calming and dark rooms at this edition of the International Purple Fest after an individual with autism highlighted the difficulties experienced at the last edition of the festival. The organisers then ensured that these safe spaces were included at this year’s festival.

These interventions will help reduce anxiety and stress by providing calming environments and tools for managing sensory inputs and help people feel more secure and in control.

The festival will also have augmentative and alternative communication boards — tools that provide alternative ways for people with limited verbal communication to express themselves, using pictures, symbols, or words to represent desired actions, needs, or emotions.

“The concept of neuro-inclusion is new in India,” said Shah, explaining that sensory issues occur when individuals experience sensory information differently than the typical population.

“This can involve over- or under-responsiveness to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, and movement. These differences can be challenging for individuals with neurodiversity, such as those with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders,” she said.


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