Fourth of July is a great time to celebrate and come together as a family, but for families with children on the autism spectrum, the holiday can be a bit more of a challenge. Autism in children can make enjoying the festivities tough if not impossible if you’re not prepared. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help your child adjust to the fanfare so they can have fun with everyone else.
Talk to Them
The best thing you can do when figuring out how to manage autism in children is to talk to your child. Let them know what’s about to happen on the holiday and explain the noises they may hear as festivities continue. Often, when children know what to expect, they’ll be less startled by the events that are happening and better equipped to manage their stress on their own.
Find Events and Activities You Know They’ll Like
It’s possible to find autism-friendly activities that you and your child can enjoy without having to deal with the pressures of loud parades and public events. Start by searching for autism-friendly or sensory-friendly Fourth of July events in your area. If you can’t find anything that your child will enjoy, try to create your own fun.
Let Them Bring Their Comfort Objects
If your child is comfortable going to a parade or watching fireworks, try to make things a bit easier on them by letting them bring their personal comfort objects. If your child has a favorite blanket, let them bring it with them. If they need a fidget toy to manage the common symptoms of autism in children, make it accessible. It’s also a good idea to bring headphones or earmuffs to help buffer loud noises so your child can still enjoy the experience.
Take Breaks
It’s normal for kids to feel overwhelmed by the Fourth of July festivities whether they’re on the spectrum or not. The easiest way to help manage autism in children at parades and city-wide activities is to let them take breaks as needed. Have a plan that lets you retreat to a quiet place when things get to be too much.
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling to understand autism in children and want additional help preparing your child for summertime festivities, reach out to our team. We’ll help you find the best ways to make Fourth of July fun for your entire family.