Fireworks are loud and scary.
They can also still be enjoyable for your child on the autism spectrum.
BOOM. That’s all it takes for a night of summer fun to turn into a behavioral episode when fireworks are involved. The truth is that most kids love fireworks until they are actually at an event where they are going off. So, how do you keep fireworks fun for your child on the spectrum? Here are 5 tips to try this summer:
1. Do a little prep!
As with many experiences, taking the surprise element out of the event will go a long way. Explain the day to your child. Lay it out visually, if necessary. Keep in mind that you might be going to a new place around a large crowd. Remember that the fireworks themselves aren’t the only stimuli making things tense.
2. Sunglasses and headphones help.
Sunglasses help reduce some of the visual exposure and noise-cancelling headphones can eliminate the boom. If the event is “muted,” your child might get the elements they love without the stress that they can do without! Or try headphones playing their favorite music to calm them and redirect some energy.
3. Give some space.
Fireworks go high in the sky. You don’t need to be right next to them to see them. This means that you can be a little further out and still have a great fireworks night. Work your way up as your child becomes more accustomed to the experience, but remember that you don’t have to be right in the thick of the event to have fun!
4. Breath.
Deep breathing is relaxing in general, but in times where stress is occurring, it can be your body’s best defense against a tense environment. Breathe with your child before the show starts. Get them to a calm place to begin, and that will help carry them throughout the night.
5. Never be afraid to flee the scene, if need be.
You can do all of these things and still come to the conclusion that fireworks night was not a great idea, and that’s okay. Let siblings know that this is a test run, and it might not work. Let your child on the spectrum know that you would like them to try it out and see how they like it, but if it gets to be too much, don’t make them suffer through the entire thing. There are going to be more summers and more fireworks to try!
Peak Potential Therapy wants your family to have a great summer, and we also want you to know that experiences like a family night out are important. Speech and behavioral therapy are important, too. Your child might find all sorts of new things they like if they can learn techniques and skills that can help them feel more comfortable in the world around them. Those are the experiences that Peak Potential Therapy provides every day! Contact us today and open up the world for your child!