FAQautism | Fireworks

Fireworks

How can we help our son enjoy the fun and excitement of fireworks displays? He reacts to random, loud noises by screaming, scratching anyone close, and biting his arm. But we think he would love the colorful visual patterns and brilliant bursts of light in a fireworks display. Any ideas?

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Fireworks are part of holiday celebrations like the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve. We can also enjoy fireworks at baseball games, outdoor concerts, amusement parks, and other big events. In some communities, individuals and families shoot fireworks to celebrate birthdays or sporting team victories. So, how do you help a person who is extremely averse to random loud noises enjoy the celebration and the lights?

Here’s a plan a family successfully implemented several years ago for their 6-year-old daughter. The plan worked better each summer, and now their daughter actually looks forward to the Fourth of July celebration in her community every year.
1. Find out the approximate time and the location of the big fireworks display in your community or in a surrounding community.
2. Several nights before the celebration, scout out a hill or a roadside park at least one mile away from that location that would allow you to see the pretty lights without so much sound.
3. Originally, this family moved to the car and rolled up the windows when the fireworks started because their daughter had extreme reactions to random sounds. But, over the past five years, they have been able to crack the windows a bit. In order to capture the spirit of the celebration of the Fourth of July, pop in a CD of John Phillip Sousa patriotic marches to play while the fireworks are “bursting in air!”
4. Last year the family videotaped the event and their daughter has enjoyed watching the show over the past twelve months. The video captured the sounds of the fireworks along with the beautiful bursts and colorful patterns of light. Because the youngster is now more familiar with the concept of lights and sound, her family anticipates she may be able to sit on a lawn chair outside the car during the distant fireworks display this year.

We hope you will send your experiences and ideas. Just click on the comments button or send an e-mail to talk@FAQautism.com.

NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com