Too Loud, Too Bright? Make July 4th Work for Your Autistic Child

July 4th is when the United States celebrates its Independence Day. The day is filled with barbecues and parties, large crowds, and fireworks displays. The sights, sounds, and smells can be overwhelming. This means July 4th isn’t always ideal for children with autism spectrum disorder.

But holiday activities don’t need to be stressful for autistic children. Parents of autistic children can make the 4th of July celebrations exciting for their kids. Parents can find a way to support their child’s needs while making the celebrations an enjoyable experience.

Know your child’s triggers and preferences

Holidays can make it easy for children with autism to enter sensory overload. The crowds, loud noises, and routine changes can present sensory challenges and trigger anxiety that leads to meltdowns.

For Independence Day, parents can look back on other holidays to see what worked and what didn’t when addressing sensory needs.

For my family members, it’s the loud noises. Both of my sons are sensitive to sounds. My oldest son, Jeremy, knows to put his fingers in his ears to muffle loud sounds, but my younger son, Joey, doesn’t know to do that.

He will start crying, biting, and throwing himself on the ground during holiday gatherings if he can’t find a sensory-friendly environment.

For years, we thought we wouldn’t be able to enjoy 4th of July fireworks displays, but we eventually found a way to celebrate together.

Prepare ahead for July 4th celebrations

Children on the autism spectrum tend to like routine, so predictability can be your friend when planning how to celebrate the 4th of July.

Visual aids and a social story can help reduce anxiety while preparing for the big day. Showing your children with autism what they can expect can help them know what to do when something affects their sensory sensitivities.

My wife and I have used a social story numerous times to prepare Joey for what’s about to happen. This is most common for us when taking him to amusement parks.

A social story allows Joey to know what he likes and what he doesn’t, while preparing him for what’s to come. We can also do this for the 4th of July celebrations. It can help him prepare to watch fireworks displays for Independence Day.

Choose a sensory-friendly location

Whether going to a barbecue or a fireworks display on the 4th of July, it’s important for parents to find a sensory-friendly location to ensure a positive experience.

Holiday celebrations are more about spending time together as families than forcing a particular experience.

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Many kids may need a quiet area to avoid the bright lights, sounds, or smells that may trigger sensory overload.

Some parks can provide this safe space, or parents can stay home and hold a small gathering in their own yard rather than going to a big sponsored celebration in town. 

Fireworks displays can also be seen from a distance, so it’s possible to find a spot away from the display where it remains visible for the entire family.

Fireworks and autism: Plan your strategy

The biggest concerns with July 4th celebrations are the fireworks. The bright flashes, loud booms, and strong smells that accompany fireworks can serve as more than just sensory stimulation for children with autism.

It’s up to each parent and caregiver to plan a strategy for making fireworks a more enjoyable sensory experience. This can certainly require careful planning.

Spending time at a safe distance from the fireworks or using noise-canceling headphones can help keep the noise to a low volume for those with sensory sensitivities.

If a safe distance outside isn’t possible, some parents may suggest staying indoors to muffle the sound of the fireworks for their children with autism.

This was one of the hardest experiences with my younger son, Joey. One year, we found a fireworks display in a neighboring town that we were willing to try.

The fireworks were visible above a lake, and the crowds gathered on the other side of the street.

We were sitting in the bed of our pickup truck, so we had an escape plan that would enable us to leave without disturbing others if he got upset. He loved every minute of it once the show started. We were prepared to leave if required, but managed to have a fun time celebrating Independence Day.

Prior to that experience, we would watch fireworks on YouTube with him. Joey sat and watched, enjoying the entire experience. 

Eventually, we were able to attend one in person, and those fireworks displays we watched on YouTube served as an unofficial social story to prepare him for what was to come.

To help your children with autism safely enjoy the fireworks, it can be beneficial to bring comfort items. In addition to noise-canceling headphones, this can include weighted vests or weighted blankets that help provide deep pressure.

Maybe they need a fidget toy to play with while watching the display.

Autism presents unique challenges for each child diagnosed, but by using comfort items, sensory tools, and favorite toys, parents can create a controlled environment that they will enjoy.

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Best Sensory Toys for Kids with Sensory Processing Issues

Prepare your friends and family

You are your child’s first, and often strongest, advocate. It’s up to parents and caregivers to set expectations and develop understanding for your children with autism.

It’s essential to communicate your child’s needs to your friends and family with whom you plan to celebrate.

Use this opportunity to demonstrate how your child may respond in different situations. Let your friends and family know that your child’s actions are not bad behavior, but rather, an attempt to communicate a sensory need.

The 4th of July can serve as more than just a day to celebrate independence, but also a day to advocate for the autism community.

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Create your own traditions

If attending big celebrations in your local community isn’t a viable option, it’s essential to create your own traditions.

Help your children with autism understand why you are celebrating the 4th of July, even if your celebrations look different than most other families.

Maybe you can have a picnic or barbecue with just your family. Or you can enjoy a fireworks show on TV, either through YouTube or an annual televised celebration.

It’s okay to skip the chaos that can come with the 4th of July. Parents and caregivers must do what’s best for them and celebrate in a way that the entire family can enjoy.

Autism may make the 4th of July look different, but it doesn’t change the importance of being an inclusive celebration.

Celebration that works for your family

The 4th of July can be a wonderful time for family and friends in the United States to gather together and celebrate the nation’s independence.

However, the unfamiliar environments that can be connected to the celebrations may be too much for children with autism.

Many families may feel overwhelmed as they watch their child with autism struggle with the holiday.

However, it’s better to create your own tradition than to force something that increases struggles. Don’t feel guilty if you have to do something different.

Gradually increasing your autistic child’s exposure to celebrations can empower them and lead to a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

FAQs

Q: How do people with autism react to fireworks?

A: Children with autism may have a range of responses to fireworks due to sensory sensitivities and stimulation. The bright flashes and loud noises can lead to sensory overload, anxiety, distress, or meltdowns.

Q: What noises trigger autism?

A: Children with autism may be sensitive to a variety of sounds. These can include sudden, loud noises or repetitive, high-pitched sounds. Sensory sensitivities can lead to discomfort, anxiety, and sometimes pain.

Q: How can you make the 4th of July autism-friendly?

A: The 4th of July can be overwhelming, but small adjustments can make it more autism-friendly. Using noise-canceling headphones, creating a calm space, and gradually introducing traditions can help autistic children feel more comfortable.

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