🎇 Supporting a Safe and Sensory-Friendly 4th of July: Tips from a BCBA 🎇
As we gear up for the 4th of July, families across the country are preparing for BBQs, parades, fireworks, and all the festivities that come with it. While this holiday can be filled with joy and excitement, it can also present unique challenges for neurodivergent individuals and those with sensory sensitivities.
As BCBAs, we often collaborate with families to help them navigate holidays in a way that prioritizes safety, reduces stress, and supports inclusion. Here are some tips to make this 4th of July safe and sensory-considerate for you and your family.
Sensory-Friendly Tips 🎧🧸
1. Prepare in Advance
Discuss what the day might look like ahead of time. Use visuals, social stories, or a schedule to review where you’ll be going, what you’ll be doing, and what to expect (e.g., loud noises, large crowds).
2. Provide Options
Give choices about how to participate.
Watch fireworks from the car or a quieter, more distant location.
Choose between a parade or staying home and doing crafts.
Allow the use of headphones or earplugs during noisy moments.
3. Pack a Comfort Kit
Include noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, preferred snacks, a weighted lap pad, sunglasses, or anything calming. Strollers or wagons can be a great tool to help create a safe and calming space for someone to take a moment if needed.
4. Consider Alternative Celebrations
Not everyone will enjoy fireworks, and that’s okay! Consider backyard fun like glow sticks, water play, or making red, white, and blue crafts as a fun alternative. Many cities also broadcast firework displays on TV, which can be a very sensory-friendly way to enjoy the show.
Safety Tips 🦺🧯
1. Be Firework-Safe
If using home fireworks (where legal), model safe behavior and clearly teach rules beforehand. Make sure those who need it have supervision and a safe distance from any fireworks. Those who need supervision can range from young children to the young-at-heart relatives who may have purchased questionably sized fireworks.
2. Identify a Safe Space
Whether you're at a park or a friend’s house, identify a quiet or calming space where anyone can go if they need a break. That may be a family member with sensory sensitivities, a parent who just needs a minute, or the poor family dog who also hates loud fireworks.
3. Use ID Bracelets or Tags
If you're attending a large public event, consider using an ID bracelet or tag with your contact information, especially if your loved one is prone to eloping. Some families might consider using an electronic item tracker to keep track of family members' locations. Also, an excellent idea for anyone like me who simply cannot ever find those keys.
4. Dress for Visibility
Outfits in bright colors or with glow-in-the-dark elements help you keep track of everyone in low-light situations.
Tips for Caregivers 📋👪
Watch for Signs of Overwhelm: You know your family best, you know the difference between happy screams and overwhelmed screams. Keep an eye out for changes in body language, vocalizations, or behavior that may signal distress. During new or very exciting events like the 4th of July fireworks, it may be a good idea to take breaks a little sooner than normal.
Practice Self-Care Too: You’re doing a great job. Holidays can be intense; give yourself grace and rest where you can. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of other family or friends attending events with you. Game plan with your family or even your BCBA. While we can’t plan for everything, having a toolbox of strategies already in place makes it more likely for you to be able to pull one out in escalated moments.
Debrief Together: After the event, talk with your family members about what they enjoyed and what was hard. You can also write a note of things that went well or could have been improved upon to check back with for the next event. Use this feedback to make next year even smoother.
Everyone deserves to celebrate in a way that feels good and safe to them. By planning ahead and centering each person’s unique needs, your family can create meaningful, joyful memories this holiday, whether that includes fireworks or not.
Wishing you a safe, inclusive, and joyful Independence Day!
4th of July Safety Quick Facts
Sparkler Information
Sparklers reach temps of 1.200 degrees. Always supervise children and ensure proper handling. Glow sticks can be great alternatives.
Firework Displays
Firework displays can be dazzling and fun. But always be sure to leave this to professionals. The safest way to view is from a distance.
Plan Ahead for Sensory Needs
4th of July events can be loud, crowded, and bright. If you attend an event, know what amenities are available. Make sure to bring headphones, earplugs, and other sensory aids just in case.
Create a Break Space
Many people might be overwhelmed by firework displays. If possible, create a space where sensory breaks can be taken. An inside room or quiet car with window shades. Have snacks, water, and toys to help distract!
For more information, check out: Safe Kids: Fireworks and Autism.org: Fireworks and Bonfires.
