An interactive musical, comic, and rhythmic journey through the past … backwards! Using a combination of backing tracks, live guitar playing, and live looping, Andee Joyce leads us through a half spoken/half sung musical comedy narrative (with lots of audience participation) about growing up autistic amid the pop culture cheese of the 1960s and 1970s.

Students will learn about what it was like to be autistic at a time when terms like “autism spectrum” and “neurodiversity” didn’t exist (because the autism diagnosis at the time didn’t apply to kids who could talk or had any interest in other people, and families who were known to have neurodivergent kids were typically shunned). They will also find out about how Andee’s autistic fixation on rhythm eventually became a way for her to embrace her difference and use it as a means to connect with others — and have a blast doing it!

This version of the show is 100% free from common sensory triggers (loud and high-pitched noises, clapping, noisy percussion, bright colors, etc.). Other sensory trigger elements can be eliminated upon advance request. Flap-alongs and “flapplause” will be greatly encouraged, and house lights (when applicable) will be up so that Andee can see the flapping! A silent dance floor, where students can express how the music makes them feel without making voluntary sounds, will be an excellent addition to the program where available.

The audience will also be permitted to move around the room in order to find a “sweet spot” to appreciate the show, and to put in earplugs if they feel they need to (Andee will bring some for students who don’t have their own).

Recommended maximum audience size for the 100% Sensory Friendly version of RHYTHM AND AUTISM is 100, and seating should be set up so that students can move around without disrupting others.

This program offered by: Andee Joyce: Rhythm and Autism