Picnics, swimming and fireworks, are they on your agenda this Fourth of July? Maybe, but if you have a child with sensory integration difficulties or who is overwhelmed easily, there has to be a plan. What plan, it's what Americans do on Independence Day weekend! That's what I thought until I had a child who was scared of water, hated extreme temperatures, freaked out at the sight of bugs and covered his ears for the entire firework display.
What are the choices if this scenario is similar to what you experience in your family? Well, if you really want to participate in these traditional activities, some planning will be necessary. It may be preparing your child for what to expect through watching a youtube video or writing him a social story. I would suggest some sensory supports such as a pair of headphones for a fireworks display. Another good strategy might be a very short stay at a extended family picnic. An exit plan is very helpful. Think about taking two cars to an event so you can leave with this child if necessary. This way, the rest of the family can stay and enjoy all the festivities.
Another way to handle sensory sensitivities is to create an alternative to traditional activities for your family. This is what we did for about a decade. We went the week July Fourth to a Christian Family Camp. It was located in the Redwoods of California. Because of the forest there, fireworks were prohibited. My children grew up having so much fun at family camp that they didn't miss fireworks at all. We made a different tradition on July Fourth which worked just great.
July Fourth can be a great time to make family memories but it may not look like your childhood or mine. It is just different but different is often very good.
Happy Fourth!!
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