Celebrating Independence Day with Children with Sensory Issues

July Fourth can be a wonderful time for everyone. However, for children with sensory issues, the unusual sights, sounds, and smells that go along with celebrating the holiday can be very overwhelming. With proper preparation and guidance, your special child can build memories for years to come, without having to be afraid! The following list of tips can help to ensure the comfort and happiness of both you and your child.

1. Work to prepare your child in advance for the things that they might see. Look for online videos of fireworks displays, and watch them with your child. If your child responds well to story books, maybe try reading them a social story about what will happen on the Fourth! Any preparation you can do in advance will help your child to better understand what will be happening, and manage their (and your) expectations appropriately.
2. Managing expectations with a visual chart will help your child understand the activities planned for the day. This is especially important for those children who expect the same routine day to day. Marking a calendar and counting down the days is a great way to create enthusiasm for the day. Many children thrive on routine and moving from one activity to another is easier if they understand exactly what is going to happen next.
3. If you plan to attend a large fireworks display, do your research in advance. Choose the show with the most variety in viewing areas. Children who cannot tolerate crowds or noise can benefit from a fireworks show viewable from a vehicle.
4. Whether you will be celebrating at home or at an event, prepare the accommodations that your child might need to keep them happy. This could include ear covers or plugs, a weighted vest or blanket, or eye covering. Gather some of your child’s favorite items that help with his or her stress, such as fidgets, preferred toys, or treats. Your child might enjoy helping you gather these items to pack in a “go to” bag to take to the celebration!
5. Explain how fireworks work and what they are made of. Describe all of the colors, smells, and sounds. Use this coloring sheet to fill in the bright colors and location of the fireworks!
6. Consider an alternative celebration. With the COVID-19 pandemic still in full swing, many of us will be celebrating at home this year. While this definitely means that many of our plans have been cancelled, it also gives us a great opportunity to expand our horizons! If your child understands the concept of birthdays, think about throwing a birthday party for America. Explain to your child that this is America’s birthday, and make or serve flag-themed or patriotic food, such as a red, white and blue birthday cake, or fruit cut into star shapes. Buy or make some plain sugar cookies and decorate them in patriotic colors with your child! The possibilities are endless.
7. Enjoy the celebration the best way possible. Going in with an open mind and back-up plan will allow everyone to have a great event.

While most fireworks displays are relatively short, each experience big or small is helping your child feel confident about celebrations and new things. Take lots of pictures that can be used as tools for years to come.

Allie Wyatt
Expansion Coordinator, Bakersfield, CA
Tuesday, June 23