According to the article “About Autism,” published by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, “Autism is a developmental disability that affects how we experience the world around us.” It goes on to say, “Every autistic person experiences autism differently, but there are some things that many of us have in common,” such as:

• We think differently,
• we process our senses, and the world around us, differently, 
• we move differently,
• we communicate differently,
• we might need help with aspects of daily living (that non-autistic people might not need help with).

Autism is often considered a “non-visible disability,” meaning it may not be apparent from looking or talking to a person that they are disabled. (An apparent disability might be muscular dystrophy, in which the individual is a wheelchair user.) 

Ableism is the societal, interpersonal, and institutional discrimination against people with mental, physical, visible, or non-visible disabilities. It intersects with and is discussed alongside other negative -isms such as racism, ageism, and sexism. RespectAbility, a disability advocacy nonprofit, defines it as “the belief that people who have disabilities are somehow less human, less valuable, and less capable than others.” 

Another working definition can be found on Talila A. Lewis’s blog, which states that ableism is “a system of assigning value to people’s bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normalcy, productivity, desirability, intelligence, excellence, and fitness.” The definition goes on to highlight the intersections of other fear-based and socially constructed forms of discrimination. 

We use the term “autism” to acknowledge the authenticity of people’s experiences and because it is an intrinsic part of their identities. We avoid euphemisms that could imply a desire to not say “disability” and, thus, create a negative stigma (for example, “differently abled” or “special needs”). Furthermore, disabled and autistic communities do not exist in a silo, and their intersection with other identity markers—including race, gender, and sexual orientation—are essential to acknowledge and explore.

You might notice that we are not using the word “disorder.” It sits uncomfortably with many autistic individuals. (ASD does indicate “disorder”; that is what the “D” stands for.)

We have also received feedback that the word “spectrum” could be offensive to some, implying that autism is a range from low to high or a lot to a little—and autism isn’t like that! We recognize and continue to learn that there is more nuance to autism than one simple linear scale. However, our team uses this word and understands it to represent the vastness of autism and autistic people.

Note: Certain individuals may identify with this language, and that’s OK! It is always important to respect one’s personal preferences.

Generally, autistic people prefer identity first (“autistic person,” rather than “person with autism”). Because of this, that is the language choice the production has made as well. And when in doubt, always ask the individual person! 

Absolutely not! There are many theatrical pieces around the world that have disabled artists on stage.

The How to Dance in Ohio experience has been carefully developed by the production and creative team to be inherently sensory-friendly. (“Sensory-friendly” refers to building a welcoming environment designed to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities.) Ensuring accessibility support for our audiences is of utmost importance to us, and our team is working diligently to incorporate various features and to maintain these offerings as needed.

In general, people with sensory sensitivities should be aware that the orchestra and sound effects might be suddenly loud. Sound effects include phone sounds, car sounds, and a few others. Sometimes singers will sing different things over each other at the same time. People may also find that the stage is very bright and that sometimes shiny props on the stage (such as mylar curtains and disco balls) can reflect light into the audience. There may be loud applause if the audience is enjoying the show. It will usually be after songs, but there may be some unexpected cheering, clapping, and laughing throughout the show. If you are particularly sensitive to lights and/or to sounds, we recommend bringing headphones and/or sunglasses!

*Special note for preview audiences: There may be some lights or sounds that we don’t expect, as we are still practicing the show during previews.

As we strive to make our performances as inclusive as possible, we encourage you to follow along with our progress by joining our community, by signing up for our mailing list, and by following us on social media here. You will stay in the know and be the first to learn about How to Dance in Ohio updates and announcements.

Before you select your seats for the performance, we recommend visiting our ticketing page on Telecharge to learn more about accessible-seating accommodations.

This cast features both autistic and non-autistic actors, Broadway vets and rising stars. Because the cast includes actors who identify as autistic, neurodivergent, and neurotypical, the combination of these identities is what makes our cast neurodiverse. The autistic characters and understudies are cast authentically—meaning if they are playing an autistic character, they identify as autistic as well.

Yes, there are! We are fortunate to have many autistic collaborators both onstage and behind the scenes. Early on in the process, we hired an Autistic Creative Consultant to provide feedback on the script and character development. Our Associate Producer also identifies as autistic, as do our Casting Director, Assistant Music Director, SCDF Directing Fellow, Production Assistant, Script Assistant, Graphic Designer, and many other team members. We’ve also collaborated with CO/LAB Theater Group to learn about developmental disabilities through their Sharing the Stage workshop, which is led by neurodiverse facilitators.

You can share the information you’ve learned or know about autism or about the show. Avoid generalizations about autistic people, and learn about each individual’s experiences, support needs, interests, likes and dislikes—the same things you would learn about any other person you meet! Understand that a person’s self-advocacy holds more weight than any assumption you may have about autism or autistic people. Furthermore, empower yourself to respectfully correct misconceptions, poor language, and misinformation about autism. And be sure that when you do, you refer to an autistic and/or disabled scholar for further information.

More to Talk About is Level Forward’s Anthem Award–winning multimedia, multi-format, social-impact platform that triples as a live space, digital experience, and podcast. MTTA uses story as a catalyst — and convenes today’s most thought-provoking culture makers — to enrich audiences with creative conversations, activations, and resources ignited by iconic works on stage and screen. Let’s talk more about disability justice, coming of age, anti-ableist worlds, and beyond in How to Dance in Ohio.

Click here to learn more.

How to Talk About Disability and Autism:

• Identity-First Language: Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
• “How to talk about disability sensitively and avoid ableist tropes”: NPR
• Disability Language Style Guide: National Center on Disability and Journalism
• “Don’t be scared to talk about disability”: NPR

Organizations and Resources We Love:

• RespectAbility
• Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network
• Katherine May’s Autism Resource Page
• GIVE: Your Guide to Teaching Artistry in Inclusive Settings
• CO/LAB Theater Group’s “Sharing the Stage” Workshop
• Crip Camp
• The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
• Autism Society of America

Additional Relevant Resources:

• Stella Young’s TED Talk on Inspiration Porn
• State of the Arts: Inclusion Report
• Talila A. Lewis’s Working Definition of Ableism
• Demystifying Disability, by Emily Ladau
• Careers in the Arts Toolkit: National Endowment on the Arts and Art Beyond Sight

Click here to view our Sensory Advisory Guide, developed by our production Access Team.

Please note that this is subject to change during preview performances.

Audience members may use cool-down spaces in the theatre if they need a breather or an area to move during the show. These are located below the lower lounge (across from the restrooms) and at the front of the Mezzanine (on the left side of the theatre). Special thanks to Nook Pod and The Sensory Room.

Click here to view the blueprint.

• How-To: Social Story Guide to the Show and Sensory Kits: Coming soon to the Belasco!
• Fidget spinners are available for purchase at the merch stand.
• Adaptable Sound Accessible Headphones: Coming soon to the Belasco!
• Click here for more Belasco Theatre access information.

If you plan to visit the stage door at the Belasco Theatre, please remember that consent is of the utmost importance. If you want to take a selfie, hug an actor and/or shake their hands, please respect our company members and ask first.