Diversity-Friendly Initiatives: Substance or Show? The Case of Silent Clapping

Recently there has been a rapid adoption of initiatives driven by a desire to be inclusive of diversity. Though this is certainly positive, many strategies are implemented based on the untested hypothesis that their adoption is genuinely wanted and beneficial to those whom these approaches are designed to benefit. One area where this phenomenon is occurring is in the context of neurodivergence, where events are increasingly employing silent clapping, otherwise known as "jazz hands" or "flapplause," in place of traditional applause, with the aim of creating more inclusive environments.

We conducted an international survey to examine whether "silent clapping" is indeed of substance to the neurodivergent community by surveying neurodivergent (n=389) and neurotypical (n=237) individuals. We compared the perspectives of neurodivergent and neurotypical respondents on silent clapping and also examined whether endorsement of silent clapping varied among specific subgroups of the neurodivergent population.

Generally, both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals perceived silent clapping similarly. However, there were mixed responses regarding the endorsement of silent clapping, and no clear consensus emerged. Autistic individuals tended to endorse silent clapping more than other neurodivergent individuals, although variability in endorsement remained. Qualitative responses reflected both support for silent clapping but also concerns about its use.

While silent clapping is largely endorsed, we find no overwhelming support or clear consensus. Findings suggest that silent clapping may be beneficial and wanted by particular subsets of the neurodivergent community, particularly for autistic individuals, but that it can also introduce other concerns. We caution against the indiscriminate implementation of such initiatives in favor of more considered and targeted strategies. Implementation of any initiative aimed at increasing inclusion should be guided by consultation with the relevant community.