Silent discos with our friends at mASCot

mASCot is a Brighton-based support network led by families for families who have an autistic child or young person. At the heart of our vision for The Dance Space is the idea that it’s a place for everybody and so it’s really important that the people who enjoy the space represent the diversity of the world we live in. 

When we had the opportunity to work with mASCot’s Director Mimi Banks to design a regular activity for local autistic young people and their families, we jumped at the chance.

A silent disco is an event where people dance to music listened to on wireless headphones. People with autism can be very sensitive to sound, so being able to take their headphones on and off to control the music they hear is ideal. 

Led by dance artist and holistic specialist Anna-Lisa Drew, these intergenerational sessions provided much needed continuity, fun and creativity and have had a really positive impact on the families’ mental and physical wellbeing. 

One parent told us: “What an amazing event! Thank you so much for organising such an inclusive and welcoming silent disco. So grateful to have access to things like this for our family. I don’t know what we would do without it!”

mASCot’s Director Mimi Banks said: “It’s been incredible to see neurodiverse teenagers, young children, young adults, of all genders, all engaging together in the sessions. What’s also been so valuable is to see how the activity naturally allows parents and carers to fully engage with or alongside their children.” 

If you can support us to run these events again in 2024 and keep them free, please donate here.