Theory of Change:

Building a More Connected World Through Music That Celebrates Neurodiversity

Problem Statement

Neuronormative societal constructs - the implicit expectation that everyone should think, communicate, and behave in neurotypical ways - create systemic barriers that limit authentic social participation for neurodivergent adults across the entire spectrum of neurological differences.

Neurodivergent individuals, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, learning differences, and various communication styles, face interconnected challenges that prevent them from accessing meaningful community connections and authentic social opportunities.

These neuronormative barriers manifest in multiple ways:

Social & Cultural Exclusion:

Social Stigma & Misunderstanding: Mainstream social norms favor neurotypical behaviors, leading to exclusion or misinterpretation of neurodivergent communication styles and making it difficult to form and maintain meaningful relationships.

Workplace & Community Barriers: Social success is often tied to unwritten neurotypical expectations (e.g., small talk, eye contact, group participation), creating obstacles to professional networking and community engagement.

Limited Authentic Social Opportunities: Most social programs and cultural experiences are designed for neurotypical interaction styles, failing to offer inclusive environments where neurodivergent adults can connect authentically.

Individual Impact & Systematic Consequences:

Masking & Burnout: Many neurodivergent adults suppress their natural behaviors to fit in socially, which is mentally exhausting and contributes to isolation when they cannot maintain the effort

The Loneliness Epidemic: Social isolation disproportionately affects neurodivergent adults, with research showing loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Service Gaps: Neurodivergent adults with developmental disabilities face particular challenges after age 21 when school-based services end ("The Service Cliff"), but isolation affects neurodivergent adults across all support levels.

Industry & Systems Barriers:

Inaccessible Cultural Spaces: The live entertainment industry, venues, and cultural organizations operate with accessibility standards that meet minimum ADA requirements but fail to create truly inclusive experiences.

Lack of Neurodivergent Leadership: Most programs serving neurodivergent adults are designed without meaningful input from neurodivergent voices, perpetuating rather than challenging existing barriers.

Supporting Data

19% of the adult population in the United States identifies as neurodivergent

(YouGov, 2024)

5.4 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

(CDC, 2023)

68% of autistic adults report feeling lonely or socially isolated, compared to 30% of the general population

(Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge)

The U.S. Surgeon General officially declared loneliness a public health crisis in 2023, with the epidemic being exponentially more prevalent within the neurodivergent community.

Our Philosophy | Theory of Change

At Especially Everyone, we believe purpose, human connection, and overall individual well-being can be achieved through the power of music and community. We advocate for sensory-friendly, inclusive experiences that go beyond accessibility to celebrate neurodiversity as a valuable part of human variation.

Standing by the 'nothing about us without us' principles, we are committed to ensuring our work reflects the authentic, neuroformative voice of our community. All programs, voice, language, and initiatives are co-created, reviewed, and approved by our 'Our Voices' Advisory Board before implementation.

Through grassroots organizing centered around music, we build a movement that challenges neuronormative social constructs and creates sustainable systems change.

Theory of Change Model

If we co-create inclusive social opportunities through music,

Then a community that authentically includes neurodivergent adults organically becomes a grassroots movement challenging neuronormative constructs,

Which Leads To stronger relationships, reduced isolation, collective power, and cultural transformation toward neurodiversity celebration.

By redefining what it means to connect and belong, we ensure that neurodivergent adults find their community and thrive in a world that celebrates neurological differences as strengths. 🎶💙