Hi folks,
I’m also looking forward to my first testbash in a few weeks. 
I have ADHD, have a few disabilities and would like to know if there is a kind of quiet room at the event where I can retreat if necessary.
Are there perhaps other people with ADHD there? We can chat if you like. 
At TestBash, there is usually a designated quiet space. It was upstairs last time at The Dome, but I’m not certain it will be the same. There was a lift up if required, but as it was over the main area, it was less ‘quiet’ and more ‘away’ from the main throng.
You can share that you are ‘open to meet at TestBash’ on your profile, and you will be added to this list. MoT Community Members | Ministry of Testing
You can also add a memory saying hello, my name is, using the template on the link below and say you want to meet folks with ADHD.
Hello. We tried a quiet space last time, it wasn’t so quiet tho.
I’ll drop you a DM in the Slack to understand the specifics for you, as we absolutely want to accommodate as best we can (personally, I’m AuDHD and I know there are many of us lurking around).
The issue we have is with this thing called the physical structure of the building and surrounding areas.
What I’ve been suggesting, which I think will work well, is that whilst there isn’t a dedicated quiet space, there is generally always a quiet-ish space somewhere.
For example: during breaks, feel free to chill out where the talks happen, it will be dark and quiet as most people will be in the breakout areas. It’s also big enough to hide away without disturbance.
Equally, when talks are happening, there are several spaces you can go where it will be quiet-ish.
The location of the conference is in the heart of Brighton, this also means you can walk out the door to break free if you feel the need. Go on a walk or right around the corner is some grassy area to explore too.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
Simply brilliant to see the supportive responsiveness to this request. Kudos to you @rosie #KeepUpTheGoodWork
Since I have not attended any TestBash events, I’m unable to provide specific feedback about the quiet room. Since the community is generally mindful of and actively assists with accessibility needs, I would expect the same to apply at TestBash. I suspect a brief note to the event’s organizers, who are usually quite approachable and eager to help, would do the trick.
Your comments about connecting with people who have ADHD stuck with me. Just knowing that people like that live nearby can help a lot with the strain of these events. Best of luck to you at TestBash! 
I’d love to meet other people with ADHD as well! It’s always heartening to know there’s more of us 
I remember really liking the approach Comic Con London took to a quiet space: they also didn’t quite manage the ‘quiet’ part (being right next to the con floor), but they provided paper and markers for people to scribble with and get some of the nervous energy out. I’m a compulsive scribbler, particularly during meetings, so that was very much appreciated.
adding to what others have said: the quiet space was not quiet but i still encourage that we have it again as a space where people can sit by themselves without having to engage in conversations. maybe we can make that clear with more signage. i would find it helpful.
would people be interested in having a little neuro-spicy meet-up on the first day? i am not sure how that would possibly fit into the schedule but i would be up for organising it if there is interest and the testbash organising team feels positive about it. i am thinking of an informal 30 minute meet-up where we can connect, chat about our plans, ideas, worries, tips, etc. and as a brighton resident, i would also be happy to talk about different options of getting a break near the testbash venue.
I think these are excellent suggestions!
I’d be up for it
I’m in! Perhaps we can steal half an hour before the start of the afternoon sessions?
We will have sunflower lanyards for those who want to be more visible.
We can create a gathering of sorts, maybe @scoutb you can help lead with this on the day.
Also, to add to this, we’ve designed the main hall (Corn Exchange) this year to have tables in the middle and many of them will have specific activities/things happening, this is designed for what I believe: people need direction at times rather than “standing around in hope”.
We hope that as part of the culture, we can all be encouraging to invite people in, sometimes that’s all it takes.