Celebrating Every Brain: Making School Celebrations Neuroinclusive
- NiE Project
- Nov 21
- 2 min read
Celebrations can be wonderful moments of connection, but for some of our neurodivergent learners, they also come with unexpected bumps. Changes in routine, new sensory environments, and unclear purposes can create stress rather than joy. But with thoughtful planning and a “less is more” mindset, celebrations can become occasions where every brain feels noticed, supported, and genuinely included.
Celebrations need clarity, care, and conversation.
Neurodivergent learners thrive when they know what’s happening, why it matters, and how they’ll be supported. Sensory environments, structure, and clear communication are fundamental to neuroinclusion. And the easiest way to make it work well? Ask students directly. Their insights are often simple, practical, and surprisingly powerful.
Types of Celebrations
From formal assemblies and prize-givings to shared lunches, pool parties, and spontaneous classroom festivities, every kind of celebration deserves neuroinclusive thinking. Bigger doesn’t always mean harder; even small in-class events can be overwhelming without the right supports.
Why Celebrations Can Be Tricky
Think about what changes during celebrations: routines shift, spaces feel different, noise levels rise, and expectations get fuzzy. For autistic, ADHD, and gifted learners especially, the purpose of a celebration might not be immediately obvious. Without predictability and clarity, joyful events can quickly become confusing ones.
Our Top Tips
Try these simple ideas to make your celebration season more neuroinclusive:
Plan the sensory context: Getting the sensory environment right is non-negotiable. Remember the ‘less is more’ golden rule for the sensory context! Build in opportunities for movement or fidgeting during formal events. Consider creating a “sensory retreat” not as an escape hatch, but as a comforting backup option.
Add in structure and clarity: A little structure can go a long way towards reducing uncertainty and anxiety. Give visual or written timetables or overviews, with a clear outline and give specific instructions. Include your ‘plan b’ if your plans are more flexible! Build some familiarity in advance without endless practices.
Get to the point! Invite and be prepared for lots of “why?” questions, and answer them concretely. These might include… what is this event for? Why today? Why this format? Why do I need to be there? Direct and concrete answers grow confidence and reduce stress. Instead of abstract ideas like “community building,” give clear, relatable reasons for why the event exists and why each student is present.
And finally - ask ALL students
“What will work for us?”
The ‘us’ framing builds your neuroinclusive ethos rather than pin-pointing individuals. Gather insights early, filter out what isn’t practical, and keep what strengthens inclusion.
What’s Next?
Take a moment to reflect on your upcoming celebrations. What could be clearer? Calmer? More predictable? Where could the purpose be better explained? And how might you invite student voice into the planning process? Schools may also want to pause and ask: Why do we celebrate in this particular way? Traditions can evolve — especially when the goal is to ensure every brain feels valued.
We’d love to hear what’s working in your community. Share your stories of neuroinclusive success with us and let’s celebrate together!
