6 Ways to Tackle Autism Fireworks Anxiety and Sensory Overload

Elaborate fireworks displays celebrate special holidays like the Fourth of July and stroke of midnight on a New Year. They are also planned at sporting events after a big win, large-scale celebrations like the Olympics, and even at weddings. 

While fireworks displays are beloved by many, they can cause extreme challenges for individuals with autism who may be more sensitive to sensory overload.

With thoughtful preparation and consideration, individuals on the autism spectrum can often enjoy a memorable and inclusive fireworks experience.

Here are some strategies adults with autism or parents can take to help their children with autism navigate potential sensory overload caused by all the things various holidays  or special occasions with fireworks bring.

These tips can help ensure a safe and fun celebration for everyone without causing fireworks anxiety or adding to autism fears and phobias.

6 Tips to Help Manage Sensory Overload

1. Introduce the concept of fireworks ahead of time.
   Part of what makes fireworks shows exciting is the anticipation and not knowing what sight or sound comes next. But that may not bode well for a child with sensory overload.

   

   Help with that by introducing the concept of fireworks through visual and auditory materials such as videos or recordings. This can help a child with autism understand what to expect and reduce anxiety. 

   You can also explain the history and significance of fireworks as part of the upcoming celebration.  There are many wonderful books, especially pop-up ones, that tell stories about celebrations with fireworks in a fun, non-threatening way.

2. Create a Visual Schedule.
   Develop a visual schedule or calendar to outline the day’s events, including the time of the fireworks display.

   This visual aid can provide structure and help individuals with autism anticipate and mentally prepare for the festivities.

   Visual schedules are effective in providing predictability and reducing anxiety.

3. Provide ways to lessen the sensory overload.
   Individuals with autism (of all ages) may have heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, making fireworks displays overwhelming.

   But in many cases, a fireworks display can be enjoyed by everyone, with some help, and without causing sensory overload.

   For individuals sensitive to loud noises, noise-canceling headphones can be a game-changer. These headphones help reduce the impact of sudden loud sounds and create a more comfortable auditory experience.

   Encourage children with autism to wear them during the fireworks display to minimize noise-related distress. Depending on the child, you may even want to decorate them to help build the excitement.

   Also seek a comfortable viewing location that works for everyone. Finding a viewing spot that is at a comfortable distance from the fireworks display can make a significant difference and help prevent sensory overload.

   Try and get to your location ahead of time so that you can set up chairs or blanket, and have drinks and snacks. Make sure to have something to do while waiting for the show to begin to minimize fireworks anxiety or sensory overload.

   The best spot could be a quieter area away from the crowd or a location where the fireworks are visible but the noise is less intense. Be sure to check local regulations and guidelines for safe viewing areas.

4. Utilize sensory strategies as needed to help avoid sensory overload.
   These techniques can include deep pressure therapy such as using a weight blanket to provide a calming effect.

   Other ideas can be to provide sensory tools and toys such as stress balls or fidget spinners so individuals can redirect their focus and self-soothe if needed, and using relaxation techniques.

5. Adapt if the experience is not a happy one.
   If you’ve taken appropriate precautions and your child with autism is melting down or experiencing anxiety, it’s okay to retreat.

   Have this possibility in mind by identifying a quiet area or safe zone away from the noise and crowds.

6. Don’t assume a person with sensory challenges won’t like fireworks.
   Sensory challenges come in the form of hypersensitivity as well as hyposensitivity, and some individuals with autism absolutely love the experience.

   After all, if you know one person with autism, then, well, you know one person with autism!

Holidays and special celebrations with fireworks displays can be a fun-filled celebration for individuals with autism when proper preparations and strategies are in place.

By understanding and addressing sensitivities and the possibility of sensory overload, individuals on the autism spectrum can participate in and appreciate autism-friendly fireworks festivities while avoiding overwhelming situations.

Remember, each individual’s needs may vary, so it is important to tailor the strategies to their specific requirements.

As a positive message to parents of autistic children or adults on the spectrum, I have always loved the Fourth of July holiday in particular and all of its traditions.

Growing up, it always included a  fireworks show, going to my grandparents’ lake house, spending time with friends and family, and oh so much wonderful food.

I spent most of my Fourth of Julys at the lake house, where my family always sat by the lake and watched the fireworks being shot over the water. The neighborhood always took the holiday very seriously, by going all out, and it was fantastic show every year.

As a young adult with autism, I never really needed any support or help with the sounds and lights.  I realize now, it could have been because we weren’t super close and because I was always free to go back into the house if I wanted.

But it remains one of my favorite holiday traditions and memories from childhood.

Whether or not  support is needed for celebrating Independence Day is fine, because whether you are neurotypical or neurodiverse and may be subject to sensory overload, it’s okay. After all, everyone needs some support once in while.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed so don’t let any sensory difficulties get in the way of that, with a little help every Fourth of July can be an amazing experience. I also typically watch fireworks displays every New Year as well.

Through preparation, sensory considerations, and effective communication, individuals with autism can have a memorable and inclusive fireworks experience without sensory overload, fireworks anxiety, or autism fears and phobias.

We don’t need to let sensory difficulties get in the way of anyone’s fun whether it’s someone with autism or a neurotypical person.

By embracing inclusivity and promoting understanding, we can ensure that individuals with autism feel valued and included in the celebrations of this significant holiday.

Let’s work together to create an environment where everyone can enjoy the magic of special celebrations void of sensory overload. The holidays are meant for people to have fun because everyone needs it, everyone needs to work off  stress and enjoy themselves.

Everyone deserves that right no matter if they’re neurodiverse or neurotypical.

If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed just remember to relax and take a breath once in a while and don’t let fear of being overwhelmed stop you from having a good time.

If you are an autistic adult and can push through it and have a good time, you’ll be so proud and happy with yourself and you’ll look forward to future holidays.

The value of being at peace with yourself and looking forward to the future cannot be overstated so work through possible sensory processing difficulties and possible sensory overload and enjoy life!

Additional Challenges Individuals with Autism Face

Learn more about other issues that autistics face:

• New Research Reveals Autism Mental Health Linked to These Disorders
• Is Autism a Disability? Surprising Reasons for the Debate
• Autism and Holidays:  Why Special Occasions Can Be Challenging
• 6 Fascinating Facts About Autism You Probably Didn’t Know
• 8 Popular Ways to Manage and Master Autistic Social Awkwardness
• Autism and Poor Hygiene:  The Smelly Truth to Overcome
• Breaking Down Barriers that Challenge Autism and Friendships
• Anxiety and Autism: 5 Powerful Strategies to Conquer Emotions
• Growing Up Autistic:  How I Overcame Challenges and Now Thrive
• Autism Family Support:  5 Ways to Achieve A Happy Household