This Overlooked Experience Is As Key to Growth As Reading and Writing

Performing in front of an appreciative audience is a vital, confidence-building experience for young people — one that children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDs) are too often excluded from.

When it comes to children’s education, the three Rs don’t quite cover it. To raise young people to be bright, confident adults, there needs to be a fourth R: recognition.

Specifically, the kind of recognition that comes from performing in front of an audience.

Receiving rousing applause and encouraging smiles from family and peers at the end of a school play, recital, concert or athletic event is as crucial to a child’s development as learning to read and write. The beaming looks on their faces and the swell of self-confidence that follow provide the most compelling proof as to why.

While many children will have countless chances to perform at school, in extracurricular activities, and with their families, kids with NDs are often excluded from these opportunities to be seen and appreciated by an audience. As a result, they miss out on developing their unique talents and building the self-confidence they need to thrive in the world.

Why? It may be that these activities are considered overwhelming, creating the potential for overstimulation and meltdowns. Or there may be concerns about vocal and physical tics, stimming, and other behaviors that may draw unwanted attention.

Whatever the case, these differences don’t require — or justify — exclusion. Just like in the workplace, including people with NDs is a matter of accommodation. As awareness grows, more and more organizations are leading the charge for inclusion and offering programming that invites young people with neurodivergence into the spotlight.

Scheer Genius is one such example. Founder Doug Scheer performs school assembly shows in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, and is the father of a child with autism. He offers tips on bringing children with special needs on stage, along with inspiring stories about the power of performance to connect.

Minnesota’s Stages Theater is another. Its CAST program offers “creative, accepting, sensory-friendly theater” that caters specifically to children with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

And, of course, here at Ball Four, bringing kids with NDs into the spotlight is a core part of our mission. We sponsor various performance-based activities, like sports, dance, and art, so that every child can shine. To find out more, visit our Events page or explore more ways to get involved.