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.”
Exeter, England – A new festival designed to celebrate and support neurodiversity is set to unfold at Exeter Phoenix this week, born from the vision of a local mother.
A Space to Belong: Festival Champions Neurodiversity
The Kaleidoscopic Minds Festival of Neurodiversity aims to create a welcoming and relaxing environment for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
- The festival will run from 11:00 to 16:00 BST at Exeter Phoenix.
- Activities include workshops, a family disco, and dedicated sensory spaces.
- Admission is “pay what you can,” with options for free, £5, or £10 tickets.
- Local charities, such as Dimensions for Autism, will be on-site to provide resources.
Emily Way-Evans, the driving force behind the Kaleidoscopic Minds Festival of Neurodiversity, envisioned a space where families like hers could simply be. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD two years ago at the age of 38, Way-Evans channeled her personal experience into creating an inclusive event. “I 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,” she explained.
What exactly is neurodiversity, and why are events like this important? Neurodiversity recognizes that neurological differences like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others are natural variations in the human brain, not deficits. Festivals like Kaleidoscopic Minds help foster understanding, acceptance, and a sense of community.
The festival, which Way-Evans describes as a “passion project,” offers a diverse range of activities. Attendees can participate in movement and writing workshops, explore art and printing stations designed for accessibility, and learn valuable regulation techniques. For those who need a break from the stimulation, two dedicated regulation areas, a playroom, and a sensory garden will be available. Ear defenders will also be provided.
Way-Evans emphasized her commitment to creating a truly inclusive experience. “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,” she said. She credits the team at Exeter Phoenix for their support in bringing her vision to life. “The lovely team at the Phoenix have kind of allowed me to create it and they’ve helped me make it happen.”
The event’s “pay what you can” model ensures accessibility for all, with free tickets available for those who need them. Way-Evans hopes attendees will leave with a sense of connection and valuable tools. “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.
