I Could Show You Incredible Things- Ren Faire and Neurodivergence

Nov 18

Fall is the season for my local Renaissance Faire. It may sound like a sensory nightmare to some, but for many Renaissance Faires are often inclusive, sensory-friendly, and affirming. Faires provide spaces for creativity and self-expression and often fosters community, connection, and acceptance. Read on to learn more about how Ren Faires can be a powerful outlet for expression and play.

Neurodivergence is a term that is often used to describe the diversity of brain functioning and cognitive processing that exists in the human population. It acknowledges that people’s brains work in different ways, which can influence how they think, learn, and interact with the world. Many neurodivergents may be diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, AuDHD, and sensory processing disorders. Renaissance Faires are environments that thrive on the odd, the anachronistic, the fantastical, and the eccentric. This culture of acceptance makes them uniquely supportive spaces for neurodivergent individuals. Ren faires encourage creativity, play, and self-expression and often provide a safe space and sense of belonging that is often difficult to find elsewhere.

Ren Faires usually have a spirit of inclusivity and welcome folks from all realms. The acceping and affirming atmosphere prevalent at Faires aligns well with the neurodiversity movement, which advocates for understanding and valuing different ways of thinking, processing, and interacting with the world. Neurodivergent individuals often find that Ren Faires offer a break from the pressures of typical daily life and social structures.

Playing By New Rules and Roles

Traditional social hierarchies and expectations tend to be relaxed at Ren Faires. The usual markers of status are replaced by playful costumes, character roles, and shared experiences. This leveling of the playing field can be liberating for neurodivergents who might feel constrained by the rigid expectations of everyday interactions.

Many neurodivergents experience challenges in interpreting and responding to social cues, body language, and implied norms. At a Ren Faire exaggerated acting and over-the-top interactions are often encouraged. These social rules are explicit, clear, and often simplified. The emphasis on humor, fantasy, and theatricality creates an environment where mistakes are easily forgiven and playful exchanges are the norm.

Many Ren Faires are becoming aware of the importance of inclusivity, including representation for neurodivergents. Some Faires have started offering accessibility guides that include information on sensory-friendly events, quiet spaces, and accommodations for neurodivergent attendees. This proactive approach signals a broader cultural shift towards embracing diversity in all its forms. Many of the performers, vendors, and organizers at Ren Faires identity as neurodivergent. also contributes to a sense of belonging. When attendees see people like themselves represented in various roles, it helps normalize neurodivergent traits and behaviors and can create a safe and inclusive space.

We Are The Weirdos Mister

One of the most empowering aspects of Ren Faires is the emphasis on self-expression without judgment. Unlike many public spaces where conformity is expected, Ren Faires encourage attendees to be as imaginative, expressive, and eccentric as they wish. Many neurodivergents feel pressured to mask their authentic selves in daily life—a practice that involves suppressing natural behaviors, stimming, or adapting their communication style to fit neurotypical expectations. Masking can be exhausting and detrimental to mental health, leading to burnout, anxiety, and a loss of self-identity. At a Ren Faire, the need to mask is greatly reduced. Neurodivergents are free to be themselves because everyone is in costume and character. If someone wants to rock back and forth while listening to a lute player or flap their hands in excitement at the sight of a jousting match, they are unlikely to receive strange looks. Instead, they might be met with smiles or even shared excitement. Helms, helmets, and dress obscuring the head are often encouraged and celebrated.

Ren Faires tend to attract those who delight in the unconventional. The atmosphere of play and performance means that behaviors that might be considered weird in other contexts are seen as part of the fun. This is particularly supportive for those with autism or ADHD, who may engage in self-stimulatory behaviors such as hand-flapping, spinning, or vocalizing. The diverse crowd at a Ren Faires also tends to be more open-minded and accepting than the general public. Many attendees share an interest in fantasy, creativity, and alternative lifestyles, making them more likely to be accepting of neurodivergent traits. It can be a safe and celebrated space where individuals can feel like their quirks are part of the shared tapestry of Ren Faire.

Like Real People Do

The playful nature of Ren Faires offer a supportive environment for social experimentation. For neurodivergents, who may struggle with navigating social norms or understanding complex social dynamics, the opportunity to engage in playful, low-stakes interactions can be incredibly beneficial. Unlike many social environments that come with unspoken rules and high expectations, Ren Faires encourage silliness, improvisation, and creativity. Interactions are often more light-hearted and less pressured, making it a perfect setting for neurodivergents to practice social skills without fear of judgments. The interactive games and activities at Ren Faires provide natural conversation starters and shared points of interest. This reduces the need for small talk, which many neurodivergent individuals find stressful or uninteresting.

Many neurodivergents enjoy social role-playing as a way to explore different aspects of their personality in a safe, controlled way. At a Ren Faires everyone is encouraged to dress up and play a part. This shared role-playing culture allows neurodivergents to try out new ways of interacting, experiment with different social roles, and practice skills like negotiation, persuasion, or storytelling. The act of stepping into a character can also provide a buffer against social anxiety. When participants speak in character, they might feel less self-conscious about their words and actions, since they’re being attributed to the character rather than the person. This separation can be a relief for neurodivergents who experience heightened anxiety in social situations.

Dressing For Revenge

Creative expression is one of the core experiences of any Ren Faire. For neurodivergents, the opportunity to engage in costume design, role-playing, and acting can provide a sense of liberation and therapeutic benefit. The immersive and fantastical setting of a Ren Faire offers a chance to try on new identities and explore creative outlets.

There is a tradition of dressing up at Ren Faires. This is not just about historical accuracy, it can be a way for atendees to embody a character or persona they might otherwise feel unable to express in their daily lives. For neurodivergents this can be particularly impactful.

Creating or selecting a costume provides an opportunity to tailor the sensory experience. Some neurodivergents may have heightened sensitivities to certain fabrics or textures. In a setting like a Ren Faire, they have the freedom to choose soft, comfortable materials and design clothing that accommodates their needs without judgment. The use of accessories like cloaks, hats, or gloves can provide a comforting sensory input. Weighted elements in costumes, such as heavy cloaks or belts, can offer a grounding effect for those with sensory processing sensitivities, similar to the soothing sensation of weighted blankets.

Adopting a new character through costume can be a positive and empowering form of expression. It’s an intentional choice rather than a forced adaptation to societal expectations. This can be affirming, providing a break from the everyday pressures of conforming to neurotypical social norms. Neurodivergents often have special interests—intense focus on specific topics like history, fantasy literature, or mythology. Ren Faires provide a platform to embody characters tied to these interests. Atendees can be a Viking warrior, an elven archer, or a medieval bard, allowing them to immerse deeply in their passions.

Let the Games Begin

LARP is a popular component of many Renaissance faires, blending storytelling, improvisation, and physical activity. It’s a form of creative play where participants embody characters and follow a narrative, often with a mix of scripted events and improvisation. Many neurodivergents have vivid imaginations and enjoy engaging in elaborate internal worlds. LARP provides a structured way to channel this creativity. It offers clear rules, objectives, and roles, which can help manage the overwhelming aspects of unstructured social play. LARP scenarios often include quests or missions that require problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking. These activities align well with the strengths of many neurodivergents, such as attention to detail, logical reasoning, and a passion for narrative-based tasks.

In LARP, players are often encouraged to embody emotions as part of their character’s story arc. For neurodivergents who may struggle with processing or expressing their own emotions, this can be a safe space to experiment. It’s a chance to express anger, joy, sorrow, or excitement through the lens of a character. Playing a character who experiences emotions differently than the player can also help build self-awareness. By noticing the contrasts between their own feelings and their character’s reactions, neurodivergents may gain insights into their emotional processing.

Many Ren Faires often have interactive storytelling performances, where audience members are invited to join in and influence the plot. These activities rely heavily on improvisation, a skill that can be both challenging and rewarding for neurodivergents. It can opportunity to stretch social adaptability skills in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Many neurodivergents are natural storytellers with a unique perspective on the world. Ren Faires, with their emphasis on folklore and mythology, provide a welcoming platform for sharing these stories. Whether through casual conversations with other attendees or formal storytelling events, participants have the chance to be heard and appreciated for their narrative skills. Storytelling also offers a form of self-expression that does not rely on direct eye contact or typical body language cues. Instead, the focus is on the content of the story, allowing for a more comfortable and meaningful connection.

I Promise You’ll Never Find Another Like Me

Ren Faires are spaces where weirdness, creativity, and individuality thrive. For neurodivergents the freedom to dress, act, and express in ways that align with their authentic selves can be profoundly liberating. The culture Ren Faires is tied to the values of community, creativity, and mutual respect. The people who attend and organize these events often do so out of a love for history, fantasy, and storytelling—all of which thrive on imagination and open-mindedness. This shared passion creates a welcoming atmosphere where neurodivergent individuals can feel like they belong. The communal nature of Ren Faires means that attendees often look out for one another. If someone appears overwhelmed or needs a break, it’s not uncommon for fellow faire-goers to offer assistance or help them find a quiet spot to rest. This culture of mutual support is a key factor in making these events feel safe and accessible. Many Ren Faires also have volunteer staff or “faire families” who are trained to provide assistance and recognize when someone might need help. Their awareness and proactive support can make a significant difference for neurodivergent attendees.

For neurodivergents who often feel like they don’t fit into conventional molds, Ren Faires offer a validaing celebration. Instead of feeling like they have to conform, they can fully embrace their unique traits and find joy in being part of a community that values creativity and individuality. Every fall you will find me and other neurodivergents living our best lives wearing flower crowns, cloaks, and elf ears at the Ren Faire.