Neurodiversity festival in Exeter born from ‘passion project’

A mother with autism and ADHD has worked with an art venue to put together a festival celebrating neurodiversity in Devon.

Emily Way-Evans, who was diagnosed with the conditions two years ago at 38, said the Kaleidoscopic Minds Festival of Neurodiversity in Exeter was a “passion project” for her.

The event is on from 11:00 to 16:00 BST at Exeter Phoenix.

Organisers said it featured workshops, a family disco and various activities for neurodivergent people and families.

Ms Way-Evans, who has two neurodivergent children, said she “wanted to create an event which is for families like mine… to feel welcome and understood and just to kind of relax and have a nice day”.

“The hope is that people will take something from it, whether it’s a feeling of connection, maybe some tools and strategies, information,” she said.

The “pay what you can” event would see local neurodivergent charities on site, such as Dimensions for Autism, to offer resources to attendees.

Ms Way-Evans said people could “book a free ticket if you need to, otherwise it’s £5 or £10”.

“The lovely team at the Phoenix have kind of allowed me to create it and they’ve helped me make it happen,” she said

“It’s for all ages and everyone’s welcome.”

There are movement and writing workshops, art and printing workshops aimed specifically for people with disabilities, guidance on regulation techniques and a family rave.

There will also be ear defenders available for those who need them, as well as two regulation areas, a play room and a sensory garden.

Ms Way-Evans said: “I’ve done as much as I can to design it specifically for neurodivergent people based on my experience… and I’ve tried to think of everything but if there’s anything I’ve missed I would really love to know.

“I have put a lot of effort into it, and it’s been a bit of a passion project for me, it’s obviously very close to my heart.”