Circus for Neurodivergent Kids: What Parents in Geelong Should Know
Many of the kids who train at CircArts are neurodivergent, and plenty of them have found their people here. If you're wondering whether circus could suit your child, this guide covers what it can offer, what it isn't, and how to make the first class go well.
What we mean by neurodivergent
Healthdirect describes neurodiversity and neurodivergence as nonmedical terms for people who experience the world differently. That can include autistic kids and kids with ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, learning disabilities or Tourette syndrome, among others.
Every child is different. What helps one kid feel settled might be exactly what another finds hard. So the best starting point is always a conversation about your child.
Why circus suits a lot of neurodivergent kids
Circus isn't the right fit for every child, and that's okay. But for many kids, it ticks some important boxes.
It's non-competitive
There are no teams to let down and no scoreboards. Kids work on their own skills at their own pace, and progress is celebrated whatever it looks like.
There are lots of ways to shine
Circus covers aerial (silks, trapeze, lyra), acrobatics, handstands, juggling, hula hoop, balance and more. A child who isn't drawn to tumbling might light up on a trapeze or with a set of juggling balls.
Progress is by skill, not age
Kids move up levels when they're ready in skill and focus, not because of their birthday. Nobody is held back or pushed ahead just to match their peers.
Small groups
Classes have a maximum of 8 students per coach. That means more individual attention and fewer people to keep track of.
Movement does good things for kids
The parenting website Raising Children says physical activity is good for all children, including children with disability, and lists benefits such as better balance and coordination, emotional regulation, confidence, self-esteem and friendships. Circus can help some kids build confidence, coordination, focus and friendships, in a setting where being different is normal.
What circus is not
We want to be clear about this, because families deserve honest information.
Circus is not therapy. Our coaches are circus artists, not therapists. Classes don't treat or cure any condition and aren't a replacement for your child's OT, physio, speech pathologist or psychologist.
We're not an NDIS registered provider. Many families do use plan-managed NDIS funding for classes. Email us and we can send invoices to your plan manager.
What we offer is a welcoming circus school where your child can move, learn and belong. As our inclusion commitment puts it: whatever your age, ability or background, there is a place for you here.
Questions to ask any activity provider
Raising Children suggests talking with staff about what your child needs before you start. Good questions include:
How big are the classes, and how many coaches are there?
What does a typical class look like from start to finish?
How do coaches handle a child who needs a break?
Can a parent or carer stay if my child needs extra support?
Are there options to start one-on-one before joining a group?
At CircArts, a carer may stay to support a student who needs extra help, at the studio manager's discretion. Just ask us before the class.
How to prepare for a first class
Tell us about your child
Before the first class, let us know what helps and what's hard. For example: noise, waiting for a turn, changes in plan, being touched (coaches sometimes spot students with their hands for safety), or anything your child is especially excited about. If your child uses ear defenders, a fidget or a visual schedule, tell us so we can plan with you.
Talk it through at home
Describe the studio: a big warehouse with high ceilings, mats on the floor, and fabrics and hoops hanging from the roof. Explain that there's a warm-up, then skills, and that everyone takes turns.
Arrive a little early
Arriving 5 to 10 minutes early gives your child time to see the space before class starts. There's 5-minute drop-off parking out front of Warehouse 33.
Keep the first goal small
"Have a look and try one thing" is a perfectly good first class. Coaches won't force anyone onto equipment.
Consider a private lesson first
If a group feels like a big first step, a private lesson lets your child meet a coach and the equipment one-on-one before joining a class.
Which class should my child start with?
Ages 5 to 11: a Discover class. Discover Circus is a mix of everything, Discover Aerial focuses on silks, trapeze and lyra, and Discover Acro covers rolls, cartwheels, handstands and partner balances.
Ages 12 to 17: a Beginner (Level 2) youth class.
Classes run after school on weekdays from 4pm and on Saturday mornings. See all the options on our kids circus classes page.
Schools, support groups and community organisations can also book our All Abilities workshops, which are adapted to each group.
When to get help
If you think your child might be neurodivergent, or you're worried about how they're coping, talk to your GP or your child's school. Your GP can refer you to a paediatrician or other specialist if needed.
If your child or teen is struggling emotionally, Kids Helpline offers free, confidential counselling for 5 to 25 year olds, any time, on 1800 55 1800. In an emergency, call 000.
How to get started
Text 0489 082 643 with your child's age and anything you'd like us to know.
We'll suggest a class (or a private lesson first).
Book a Starter Pass: three beginner classes for $55, used within 14 days. Book the youth Starter Pass.
Frequently asked questions
Is circus a form of therapy?
No. Circus at CircArts is a recreational class, not therapy, and we don't treat any condition. Many families find it a welcoming place for their child to move, learn skills and make friends.
Can I use NDIS funding?
CircArts isn't a registered NDIS provider, but many families use plan-managed NDIS funding. Email geelong@circarts.com.au and we can send invoices to your plan manager.
Can I stay and watch?
Kids classes are usually drop and go. A carer may stay to support a student who needs extra help, at the studio manager's discretion. Please ask us first.
What if my child only wants to watch?
That's okay. Watching is a normal part of learning something new, and coaches won't force anyone to try a skill.