The Fourth of July is known for lake days, barbecues with friends and family, parades, and closing out the night with fireworks. While fun for many, these activities can also be overstimulating and overwhelming. Here are some ideas to help you/your loved one feel safer and calmer throughout the day!
Headphones and Sunglasses
While seemingly an obvious tool, noise-cancelling headphones are especially helpful on the 4th to help dampen the loud booms and whistles that go along with fireworks shows. If you/your loved one isn’t bothered by the visual stimulation of fireworks, headphones are a great way for them to still get to enjoy the show. And if the fireworks are too bright, try wearing sunglasses!
Pre-plan an Escape Route
Whether you’re going to someone’s home for a barbecue, a parade, or a public place to watch fireworks, planning out how you will leave if needed is extremely helpful. This could look like arriving early to secure a closer parking spot, or choosing to stand further back from the crowd so you don’t have to weave through too many people.
Talk to Hosts Ahead of Time
If you are going to someone else’s house, talk to them ahead of time about what you/your loved one may need. Ask if there is a quiet space or room to go to if things get too overwhelming from the number of people, food smells, barbecue smoke, etc. And give them a heads up that you may need to leave early in case things get to be too much. That way, you can focus on getting your things together and leave instead of trying to find them to say goodbye.
Take Two Cars
If your family has access to two vehicles, it can be helpful to drive to your celebration in both. This way, if someone needs to leave, other family members can stay behind if they choose.
Watch From a Distance
The great thing about fireworks is that they can be seen from pretty far away! You don’t need to be up close and personal to enjoy the show. Once you identify which fireworks show you want to watch, locate a viewpoint from further away where you’ll be able to see it. You can even watch from your car! And if the fireworks are still too much, you can always watch them on TV from the comfort of your home.
Prepare Your Loved One Ahead of Time
If you are the parent/caregiver or a loved one of an autistic person, talking to them about Fourth of July activities several days beforehand can help prepare them for what to expect. Check out our social story below for some ideas!
Remember, strategies are never one-size-fits-all. At the end of the day, you should do what feels best for you/your autistic loved one. If that means planning out accommodations or staying home for the evening, safety and comfort should always be a priority. And it’s important to remind yourself/your loved one that it’s ok to speak up if things feel overwhelming. We hope everyone has a fun and safe Fourth of July!