For some autistic children, July 4th celebrations are wonders with the bright fireworks in the sky, sparklers and some favorite foods. For other autistic children, the celebrations for the holiday are a sensory overwhelm. How can you plan a July 4th celebration that will be fun for your autistic child?
My son J has always enjoyed July 4th celebrations. Thankfully, he loved seeing the fireworks and even with his ultra-hearing sensitivities, the booms from them didn’t bother him too much. We usually stayed home and maybe had grandparents or friends over for a cookout. Our neighborhood had firework displays that rivaled the big ones in the city, so we didn’t have to deal with the crowds to see the festivities. That made things easier for us, and J had a good time most years. I think it would have been more difficult had we ventured downtown in our city and tried to fight our way through crowds to see the fireworks. We and J would have been stressed by it all.
Fireworks and Sensory Issues
Making July 4th fun for your autistic child really comes down to planning the holiday activities based on what your child can handle and trying to align that with what works for your family overall. If you have other children who really love the big fireworks show, then maybe one parent takes them to that and the other checks out the fireworks in your neighborhood or area with your autistic child. If you cannot divide and conquer, maybe you look at events online and see if you can find a smaller fireworks show in a nearby town that isn’t quite as crowded. We did that one year when we went out to a smaller event where my mom lives, and J and our whole family really enjoyed it.
If fireworks in person are just too much for your child, some shows are broadcasted on TV or online. That could be a great way for your autistic child to still enjoy them but in a way that doesn’t trigger any sensory issues.
Other ways to make July 4th more fun for your autistic child
Try some of these other tips to help make the July 4th holiday more enjoyable for your autistic child.
- Remember to bring your child’s noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses and other items to help with any sensory issues if you are going to a celebration away from home.
- If you go to a family member’s or friend’s home for a gathering, ensure you identify a quiet place that your child can retreat to if they are overwhelmed or need a place to hang out for a while.
- Be sure to bring a favorite dish and snacks for your autistic child to ensure they have food they like at a party or gathering.
- Take some favorite toys or an activity bag of things your child enjoys if you are going to a fireworks display and will be waiting for a while for the show to begin.
- Give your autistic child advance notice on how their routines will change that day and night, so they are not surprised.
- Consider a movie night if going elsewhere or being outside will be too overwhelming for your autistic child for the holiday.
Remember that there is no right way to celebrate July 4th. Do what is best for your autistic child and family. You can have fun in so many different ways that will honor what works for your family. So, what are some things you do to make July 4th fun for your autistic child?
Additional resources
Want some additional information or ideas for your celebration? Check out these resources.
Headphones: A Book for Children With Autism & Sensory Disorders (affiliate link)
Celebrate Independence Day: Multicomponent Educational Rhyming Story (affiliate link)
JOYIN 15 Pcs 4th of July Accessories (affiliate link)
6 Pack of American Flag Sunglasses (affiliate link)
The Night Before the Fourth of July (affiliate link)
