Some autistic people like concerts, too

It's true, when I tell people I'm autistic and my absolute favorite thing is going to a loud, vibrant concert, I sometimes get that quizzical look. The one that says, 'Wait, aren't autistic people supposed to hate loud noises?' This common misconception is something I encounter often, but for me, YES, I'M AUTISTIC & I LOVE LOUD SPACES! It might seem contradictory to some, but it perfectly illustrates the beautiful diversity within the autistic community. Many people associate autism primarily with sensory avoidance, and it's certainly true for many of us. But it's crucial to remember that sensory experiences aren't a one-size-fits-all situation. For me, personally, I identify strongly as a sensory seeker. This means that far from being overwhelmed by certain stimuli, I actually crave them. The deep bass vibrating through my chest at a live show, the intricate layers of sound from a band, the collective energy of a crowd – these aren't just tolerable, they're exhilarating. CONCERTS ARE MY HAPPY PLACE! It's not just live music either. There are other 'loud' environments that don't bother me at all, and can even be quite stimulating in a positive way. For instance, SOME OTHER LOUD SOUNDS DON'T BOTHER ME, like the general hum of a large, bustling crowd, or the joyous cacophony at a water park or theme park. These experiences, which might send some neurodivergent individuals running for quiet, often fill me with a unique sense of engagement. It’s about the type of sound and how my brain processes it. Sudden, sharp, or unpredictable noises? Those are a big nope for me. But a sustained, rich tapestry of sound? Bring it on! This distinction between sensory seeking and sensory avoidance is so important, yet often overlooked in broader discussions about autism. SOME PEOPLE SEEM TO THINK THAT EVERY AUTISTIC PERSON HATES LOUD SOUNDS... BUT I'M THE OPPOSITE. I LOVE LIVE MUSIC AND AM A SENSORY SEEKER. This isn't to say I don't prepare. Even though I love the loudness, I always come equipped with my toolkit. I STILL BRING EARPLUGS AND OTHER ITEMS TO HELP ME JUST IN CASE. High-fidelity earplugs are a game-changer; they don't block out sound entirely but filter it, making the music clearer and preventing overstimulation if things get a bit too intense. Sometimes I'll also bring noise-canceling headphones for breaks, or even a soft stim toy for comfort. It's all about having options and understanding my own needs in the moment. It makes me wonder, if you're autistic, do you find yourself leaning more towards sensory seeking or sensory avoidance? Or perhaps, like many of us, it's a dynamic blend depending on the context, your energy levels, and the specific stimuli involved. Sharing our diverse experiences helps dismantle stereotypes and creates a more nuanced understanding of neurodiversity. Don't let anyone tell you what you 'should' or 'shouldn't' enjoy based on your neurotype. If a loud concert brings you joy, embrace it! Find your strategies, listen to your body, and rock on.