Welcoming Older Autistic People into Arts & Cultural Spaces

Flourishing Lives, the Flourishing Lives Advisory Group (FLAG), and Asperger London Area Group (ALAG) invite you to join a free online workshop providing practical support for services for older people.

This workshop will focus on welcoming older autistic people into arts and cultural spaces. An online workshop, comprising a presentation, followed by Q&A session.

The combined organisations are delighted to be joined by Cos Michael (Autistic speaker & conference presenter, Autism & ageing consultant and trainer) who will facilitate the session.

Engagement with the arts and cultural life is integral to the wellbeing of many autistic people. For autistic artists and those who simply enjoy the arts, the wonderment and joy derived from cultural interests is therapeutic and life enhancing.

The presentation will cover two major topics: the characteristics and needs of older autistic people, followed by some of the issues involved with integrating older autistic people into the cultural environment.

There are issues common to autistic people, across the entire lifespan. However, as in the general population, older people have amassed more experiences, some good and some more negative, which they carry with them into every environment.

Among the older generation, autism is often a hidden disability, as most have spent their lives learning to mask the characteristics that mark them out. However, sensory and social integration difficulties continue to cause stress at any age. It is important to understand the range of stress and anxiety reactions you may encounter and how best to respond.

The presentation will look at issues that relate to attending cultural events and spaces. So it will cover:

• the processing of information
• signage and other written information
• stimming (physical and vocal tics)
• integration with others
• autistic burnout

The other major topic is the built environment, such as:

• flooring
• ambient light and sound
• eating areas
• queuing
• quiet spaces
• fire alarms, flashing lights and other sensory triggers

Join to share ideas, refine your working practices, and meet other progressive people who are striving to innovate and excel in services for older people.

Please email david@flourishinglives.org if you have any queries or would like any further information.

Register HERE