With the Fourth of July approaching and Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s the season for national celebrations. These festive traditions unite people, from parades and apple pies to campfires and fireworks. Still, for families of children with autism spectrum disorder, this time of year can produce unwarranted stress and anxiety from sound sensitivity issues.
That’s because many children on the spectrum experience sensory processing challenges. In fact, an estimated 90% of individuals with ASD experience sensory difficulties, whether hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness). Sound sensitivity in autism is particularly common, with studies showing that up to 70% of autistic individuals are affected, compared to just 8% of the general population.
Given these numbers, it’s no surprise that loud noises like fireworks shows and parades can be especially overwhelming for children with autism. For many families, the fear of loud noises and autism go hand in hand during holiday celebrations. However, with the right preparation and autism-friendly strategies, it’s possible to help your child feel more comfortable and enjoy the experience.
So, how do you handle sound sensitivity that are so often involved in children with autism? There are successive steps you can take to help your child feel safe, supported, and prepared during these noisy celebrations. At Heartlinks ABA, we understand the importance of proactive strategies and sensory support in helping children navigate overstimulating environments.
In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to help your child with autism cope with loud noises and sound sensitivity, build resilience, and be part of the fun this holiday season.
Autism and Sound Sensitivity: Why Loud Noises Are Especially Challenging for Children
It is believed that the auditory system of people on the spectrum may process sounds differently than that of neurotypical individuals. Thanks to this altered processing, with autism there is an increased sound sensitivity and difficulty filtering out background noise.
It’s important to note that sound sensitivity especially in autism can vary tremendously from one person to the next. Each experiences unique triggers and sensitivities. Common noise triggers for autistic children and teens include unexpected or sudden noises, crowded or noisy environments, and repetitive or continuous sounds.
How to prepare for fireworks and parades
Fireworks and parades are loud, crowded, and full of surprises, which is a perfect storm for sound sensitivity, especially for children with autism. But with thoughtful preparation and the proper support, these events don’t have to be off-limits. You can take the following steps to cope with loud sounds to help your child feel more comfortable and supported during the festivities.
Alert your child’s therapist.
If your child is undergoing ABA therapy for autism, take a moment to speak with their certified therapist about your upcoming plans. They can help prepare your child for the experience using various evidence-based techniques. For example, discrete trial training can teach step-by-step responses to loud sounds or large crowds. Shaping ABA therapy can help your child slowly develop a tolerance for noise by reinforcing small successes. Your child’s BCBA or RBT therapist may use errorless learning to help your child practice coping strategies without frustration or modeling ABA to demonstrate appropriate behaviors in similar situations.
Research the Details of the Event
Before leaving the house, take a moment several days before to gather as much information as possible regarding the fireworks event and the parade, including the location, length of time, and the anticipated size of the crowd, to assess the level of sensory stimulation and loud noises. Contact the event planners to see if there’s a sensory-friendly viewing area or if accommodations can be made. Alternatively, why not watch the fireworks from a location with a good view, such as a parked car?
Develop a Sensory-Friendly Plan
Take a moment to create a sensory-friendly autism plan tailored to your child or teen’s sound sensitivity needs. Begin by creating a social story or a visual schedule so they understand what will occur and what sensory experiences they can anticipate. Remember to include sensory breaks such as noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and comfort items like a weighted blanket for an autistic child. Since many children and teens have autism and food aversions or limited diets, it’s a good idea to pack their preferred snacks or meals to ensure they have something familiar and comforting to eat.
And if the parade fireworks are simply too overwhelming, why not plan alternate activities for your child or leave them home with a trusted caregiver?
Watch for Signs of Discomfort or Anxiety
It’s critical to be alert to the signs that your autistic child or teen is exhibiting should they become anxious or uncomfortable during the celebrations. Some of these symptoms may include:
- Screaming or crying
- Aggressive behavior (i.e., throwing things or pushing people)
- Verbal remarks about fear, pain, and discomfort.
- Increased irritability, including tantrums
Autism and sound sensitivity: Be prepared for unexpected challenges
Despite detailed planning, sometimes unplanned situations may happen. If your child is triggered by the sound sensitivity, having an emergency plan and an exit strategy is essential, helping ensure a quick and safe exit if required. This plan should begin with parking your car in an accessible location. Take the time to locate exits and less crowded areas ahead of time, and talk about the plan with your autistic child and the other members of your family who are attending this event. Taking a proactive approach can reduce stress and provide a sense of security for everyone.
Post-Event Recovery for autism and loud noises
After the event and once everyone is safely home, debrief and reflect with your child about their experience. Use simple language to talk through what happened. Make sure to focus on what they enjoyed and what may have been difficult. Encourage them to express their feelings and reassure them that feeling overwhelmed or upset is okay. This will validate their emotions, which helps build trust and emotional awareness.
Ensure you reinforce any positive behaviors you observed during the event, such as your child wearing headphones or using a calming strategy. Offering praise, hugs, or small rewards can go a long way toward encouraging this type of behavior in future situations.
Don’t forget to monitor your child or teen in the days following the event for any lingering symptoms of distress or anxiety, that can impact autistic children and sleep, irritability, or withdrawal. Remember that these post-event moments are equally important as the preparation because they provide a chance to build resilience and confidence for the next big celebration.
Heartlinks: Your Partner in Every Celebration
Helping your autistic child or teen with autism navigate loud noises and events takes planning, support, and patience. When you understand your autistic child’s sensory needs and take the time to prepare events thoughtfully, you can create positive, inclusive experiences, allowing them to participate in the joy of the season.
At Heartlinks, we’re here to support your family every step of the way. Whether you need guidance from a certified ABA therapist, help building a sensory-friendly plan, or simply reassurance that you’re doing your best, our team is ready to help your child or teen thrive during fireworks season, but every day.
With the right strategies in place, the fear of loud noises and autism doesn’t have to mean missing out. Contact Heartlinks ABA today to help you make this summer’s celebrations more enjoyable and comfortable for your entire family.