Live music inspires but may overwhelm. Concerts demands design & trained staff.
Music transcends words. It speaks directly to the heart and soul, a universal art form that unites and inspires. For many, live music is a collective euphoria, a moment of shared connection. But for autistic adults, this experience can feel like walking a tightrope — balanced precariously between enchantment and overwhelm. This article delves into how live music resonates with autistic individuals, how it inspires joy while presenting challenges, and what changes are needed to make this magic accessible to everyone.
For many, live music is a collective euphoria, a moment of shared connection.
A World of Senses
Up to 94% of autistic individuals experience sensory differences, ranging from hypersensitivity to moments of profound sensory joy. For some, the sounds of live music feel magical — vibrations conjuring colors, rhythms soothing tension, and melodies replenishing energy. For others, the same experience can trigger sensory overload, an avalanche of lights, sounds, and crowds.
Live music, in all its beauty and intensity, becomes a double-edged sword: a source of deep joy and a potential minefield of overwhelm
Live music, in all its beauty and intensity, becomes a double-edged sword: a source of deep joy and a potential minefield of overwhelm. The recent research of Herbert, Smith, and MacLennan of the University of Durham sheds light on this duality and explores how live music events can become more inclusive.
The Study: Voices That Must Be Heard
The researchers focused on the experiences of sixteen autistic adults aged 21 to 52, gathering insights through focus groups, interviews, and email exchanges. From these narratives, four key themes emerged:
- “This is a military operation”
Attending a live music event often begins long before the first note sounds. For many autistic individuals, meticulous planning is essential to reduce uncertainty and avoid sensory overwhelm. However, venues frequently provide insufficient information, leaving attendees stressed and anxious. - “Hating the crowd but loving the crowd”
Crowds evoke a paradoxical experience. While they can foster a sense of community and shared passion, they also bring discomfort, unpredictability, and fear of judgment. Finding a safe spot in the venue is often crucial for managing these conflicting emotions. - The duality of an intense sensory environment
For some, live music is pure sensory ecstasy — vibrations, rhythms, and sounds creating a transcendent experience. Yet this same intensity can lead to overload, particularly when exacerbated by poor sound quality, glaring lights, or excessive heat. - “The difference is always the staff”
Interactions with staff can make or break the experience. A lack of understanding or empathy often creates barriers, while well-trained staff can foster a safe and welcoming environment. Negative encounters with security or dismissive personnel remain significant hurdles.
A Critical Reflection: Voices From Within
As an autistic individual, I see my own experiences reflected in these themes, yet I find certain nuances missing.
Why is stimming — a natural and joyful form of self-expression — not as accepted as dancing?
The strength of this research lies in its attention to both the challenges and the joys of live music, yet it risks reducing autistic experiences to a set of obstacles in need of solutions. Too often, we are portrayed as passive recipients of support, when in reality many of us actively craft strategies to navigate these environments. Our autonomy and resilience deserve more recognition.
The article also stops short of addressing how societal perceptions of autism perpetuate stigma. The judgment many of us face in crowds stems from rigid social norms about what constitutes “appropriate” behavior. Why is stimming — a natural and joyful form of self-expression — not as accepted as dancing? This question invites a broader reconsideration of inclusion and belonging.
True inclusion goes beyond logistical adjustments; it requires a fundamental reimagining of how spaces are designed and experiences are curated.
The Path to Inclusive Live Music
The study’s recommendations are practical and valuable: detailed pre-event information, accessible quiet spaces, and staff training. But true inclusion goes beyond logistical adjustments. It requires a fundamental reimagining of how spaces are designed and experiences are curated. Co-creation, involving autistic individuals in the design of events, is a vital step.
Inclusive design isn’t just about providing accommodations; it’s about celebrating the contributions of autistic people. Our unique way of experiencing music, our passion, and our intensity can enrich the experience for everyone.
A Future Full of Sound
Music has the power to connect, inspire, and heal. For autistic adults, it is an experience of profound depth, layered with joy and complexity. By listening to their voices, breaking down barriers, and embracing neurodiversity, we can create a world where everyone can revel in the magic of live music. Because music, in all its vibrations, lights, and harmonies, is a universal language — and that language belongs to all of us.
Herbert, G., Smith, A., & MacLennan, K. (2024, December 2). “It’s like all of my senses and my body become more awakened”: Autistic adult’s experiences of attending live music. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/4rk36
The European Autist 