How to Deal with the Fourth of July Aspie Style!

Like many aspies I hate loud noises and get over-stimulated by them. So, as one can imagine American's Independence Day and I have never quite got along. As a child I would run away from some of the fireworks because of the horrible high-pitched whistling sounds they made. I remember some of them even pushing me to the point of melting down and then my parents and I would have to leave so I could go home and calm down.

Yesterday was the 4th of July and it was one of the best I have had. We had a small gathering of friends at my parent’s house and sat in the front yard and watched fireworks. I have been learning copping strategies to help with the loud noises I hate. I wore headphones over my ears so I could watch the fireworks, for I really do like the pretty colors they make just not the noises. I, however, had to run inside my house when my brother lit off a firecracker, for these still sound like a car bomb going off in a war zone. I hate firecrackers and suggest if you have an autistic person living with you or who is your friend to not light they off at all, but brothers will be brothers.

So, what can you do to help your autistic through the 4th of July festivities? First and foremost, do not take your autistic to a large gathering, for this is a perfect recipe for over-stimulation and meltdown. If you are a parent/partner I know what you are thinking, "But Miriam, I got invited to such and such gathering and we really want to go?" Well...I am sorry dear parent/partner "IT IS NOT ABOUT YOU" in this situation if you want to avoid putting you autistic in a tail spin it is important to always think twice before going to a large gathering with them. If your partner or older child is ok with staying home by themselves by all means go to the get together, but do not drag them along and expect them to be alright at the end of the evening. Autistic people are already going to have trouble with the noises from people lighting off fireworks and subjecting them to the large amount of noise that is a part of a gathering beforehand just spells disaster and frustration for the both of you. 

Firework induced meltdowns and be prevented with ear protection such as head phones or ear plugs. I find that the above mentioned work for most fireworks expect firecrackers.

Well...I hope you found these tips helpful and I hope they can help you have a better 4th of July next year! What other tips might you have for the 4th of July madness?

Miriam