Inclusion at a Rick Springfield Rock Concert

I am sharing today to remind everyone how very important it is to try to get all of our kiddos and adults out and about to be included as best we can in the things they like or, if they cannot tell us, the things we think they may like doing….

Below is a little video of my nearly 15 year old young man who has been diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism rocking out to Rick Springfield this past weekend.

Is it always easy to take individuals with sensory struggles and higher needs out to a big venue like a rock concert? No! Have I always been successful doing this? Definitely not!! But, I keep trying and I always want to try to do something to include the whole family.

I had been to this particular outdoor venue before so I was familiar with the layout and hoped my son, Halen, would be comfortable. Halen sure does love his music and a good band... don’t we all?!😀

The band was super loud but there were less people because of the torrential rain before the event so we lucked out… less people meant there was plenty of room for my son to walk around. There was also ADA porta potties which are much bigger and easier for a helper to go into with another who may need assistance so that was super helpful!

I was so proud of my little guy this weekend. We asked him a few times if he wanted to leave the gates and watch the show from further back where it would be much quieter but he did not want to leave the venue 🥹 🎶. He was doing a Rick Springfield concert successfully and he was proud of himself 🥹 💯.

And, those of you who already know me, know it is my life’s mission to ensure ALL individuals are included in EVERY possible place and/or activity that they want (or, if they cannot communicate it to us yet, what we think they may want)... Inclusion should never be underestimated or unattainable. 💯 ✅

And, let’s hear it for Rick Springfield who was great!!! My son has good taste in music that's for sure 😊. It’s hard to believe that Rick is coming up to 77 years! I also forgot he was an aussie!!! 🇦🇺 😀 👏