Heading off to higher education is a massive milestone for any performing arts student. Between mastering complex choreography, memorising scripts, and managing intensive rehearsal schedules, training in the performing arts takes an incredible amount of focus and dedication.
However, our recent survey highlighting the challenges faced by neurodivergent performing arts students revealed that the hurdles often start before stepping into the studio. One of the most common themes highlighted by students, parents, and carers was the hidden barrier of independent living.
Transitioning to living independently involves a huge range of executive functioning demands—from managing paperwork and food shopping to navigating new sensory environments and public transport. When you pair these daily demands with a rigorous performing arts timetable, “brain drain” can quickly set in.
To help bridge this gap, Triple A Performer is thrilled to launch our brand new Independent Living Checklist!
What is the Independent Living Checklist?
Designed specifically to take the guesswork out of moving away to study, our downloadable checklist breaks down overwhelming tasks into bite-sized, actionable steps. It’s packed with practical strategies, digital hacks, and neurodivergent-friendly advice split into key areas:
1. Paperwork & Logistics: Practical ways to handle “brain drain” tasks like address management, snagging lists, setting up WiFi, and scheduling a weekly “admin hour”.
2. The “Lost Phone” Protection Plan: Simple digital safety nets, hard-copy emergency folders, and lock screen hacks so a lost device doesn’t equal a complete lockout.
3. Kitchen, Home & Shopping: Low-stress cooking strategies, appliance training tips, “Scan as you Shop” hacks, and visual colour-coding systems for food freshness.
4. Travel & Navigation: Sensory-aware travel planning, identifying visual “anchor points”, screenshotting routes, and budgeting extra journey time.
5. Health, Admin & Self-Care: Setting up local GP registrations, managing Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), laundry routines, and medication reminders.
6. The Performing Arts Balance: Gear strategies for early rehearsals, keeping a “First Aid for Dancers” kit ready, line-learning techniques, and sensory recovery tools like noise-cancelling headphones.
7. Assistive Tools & Social Scripts: Useful apps like Goblin.tools and Brain in Hand, using Sunflower Lanyards, and creating a lightweight “User Manual for Me” to share with housemates.
Download Your Free Copy Today
Whether you are a student preparing for your first term, a parent looking for structured ways to support your young person, or an educator working with neurodivergent creatives, this guide is here to help. Click here now to download your copy.
Sharing Our Resource
Sharing our Independent Living Checklist with credit to Triple A Performer is warmly welcomed! Feel free to share the link with friends, educational settings, and support networks who might benefit.
(Note: Reproduction, sale, or sharing for profit of the Independent Living Checklist in any format is prohibited without prior written consent from Triple A Performer.)