I AM Profiles: Disco Neurotico by Byron Vincent

As part of I AM’s mission to celebrate autism with the broader world, we’re happy to present the latest in a series of our ’10 questions with…’ series, featuring Disco Neurotico founder Byron Vincent talking about his unique club night.

1. What is the primary focus of Disco Neurotico, and how does it differ from traditional club nights?

We’re striving to create club spaces that are kinder to those with anxiety and neurodivergent based sensitivities. It’s difficult, because clubs are inherently noisy, social and sometimes unpredictable spaces, so we try to offer respite from those elements by offering lots of information, quiet spaces, spaces to be alone and structured interaction and activity.

2. How does Disco Neurotico cater to individuals with sensory sensitivities

All our events have a calm space with low lighting, calming projections, optic fibre tails and no talking. Our silent Disco headsets have three channels one of which is brown noise. We don’t use strobing lighting instead we go for slowly pulsing lighting effects which are less overwhelming. Most importantly we strongly encourage people to bring whatever sensory aides they need such as ear defenders or noise cancelling headphones.

3. What specific features does The Lowry venue offer that make it suitable for hosting Disco Neurotico?

First and foremost, the Lowry is safe and wheelchair accessible. It has good transport routes and doesn’t feel as overwhelming as a traditional club space. It has multiple spaces so we can offer a variety of sensory experiences. We’ll have a silent disco in one space, a traditional “noisy” club space in another, then our calm space and gaming area and recovery room will be on a separate floor to minimise noise bleed.

4. How does the event accommodate individuals’ varied preferences in terms of dress code and personal comfort items?

We want people to feel comfortable, if that means wearing fleece onesie and carrying a plushie then we encourage that. Equally, if you’re happiest is cosplay, black tie, work wear, latex catsuit, whatever, it’s all good. Our events are all about people being their authentic selves without fear of judgement.

5. What challenges do neurodivergent individuals typically face in traditional clubbing environments?

Sensory overwhelm. Fear of the unknown. Lack of structure. No safe/calm spaces. Venues not understanding or meeting our needs. Not feeling able to unmask. Not feeling able to stim. Not feeling able to use sensory aids for fear of judgment.

As an ageing raver with diagnoses of ADHD, autism and PTSD, I spent the 90s reaching for the lasers and having panic attacks in the UK’s burgeoning club and festival scenes. “Neurodivergent people like me often find club spaces overcrowded, unpredictable, claustrophobic and overwhelming. Stressful navigation, few escape routes and fraught interactions contribute to panic, sensory overwhelm and burnout, marring nights out and leaving us exhausted and isolated. However, the FOMO is real, so we either attend and endure or avoid and miss out. With Disco Neurotico, we aim to provide all the joys of clubbing, with none of the drawbacks.
– Disco Neurotico founder Byron Vincent

6. What measures are in place at Disco Neurotico to ensure attendees’ well-being during the event?

We have a skilled trained wellbeing officer and wellbeing stewards. We have a dedicated recovery space for anyone experiencing meltdown overwhelm or panic. All front of house staff must attend a brief access and inclusion session run by our wellbeing officer.

7. What are the different zones or spaces available to attendees at Disco Neurotico, and how are they designed to meet different needs?

The noisy space is a traditional club space, but with lots of seating for anyone who wants to feel the overwhelm of a loud PA. Silent disco space gives people choice in genre whilst allowing them to control volume. Doodle wall gives solo attendees and others a chance to engage in something creative if they’ve had enough of dancing but don’t want to socialise. Gaming offers structured interaction under the guidance of an expert for those who want to socialise.

8. How does the event utilize technology, such as the silent disco and UV doodle wall, to enhance the experience for participants?

Silent Disco offers people more sensory control. UV wall offers mindful, creative respite from the dancefloor that isn’t doomscroling on the phone.

9. What role do playmakers and wellbeing stewards play at Disco Neurotico, and why are they important?

Playmakers are tasked with bringing the good vibes. They start the evening off with a physical warm up and remain a motivating and enthusiastic presence throughout the night.

10. Where and when will Disco Neurotico take place, and how can interested individuals purchase tickets?

We have events coming up at the Lowry Salford on 31/08/24 and Southbank Centre London on 07/09/24 tickets are available on the venue websites or go to disconeurotico.co.uk

🎧 Silent disco with 3 channels
🌸 Chill-out zones & ambient music
🎨 UV doodle wall & gaming areas
🎶 Noisy space, no strobe lights

For tickets, please visit the Lowry website at https://thelowry.com/whats-on/disco-neurotico/

If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in I AM Profiles, please drop us an email at enquiries@i-am-autism.org.uk