Variety Child Learning Center Offers Tips for Children with Sensory Sensitivity on the 4th of July

America’s 250th anniversary celebration will soon be upon us. As always, the July 4th holiday is marked with numerous parades, barbecues, and fireworks displays. However, while Independence Day celebrations can be festive and fun for most people, they can also be overwhelming for children who find it difficult to cope with sensory stimuli like sudden loud noises, bright flashing lights, and large crowds, according to Melissa Capozzoli, Senior Occupational Therapist at Variety Child Learning Center, a leading nonprofit organization that provides educational and supportive programs to children who require specialized services.

“For children with sensory processing challenges, including autism, ADHD, or PTSD, traditional 4th of July activities can be stressful and quite overwhelming and difficult for families with special needs to participate in this special American holiday while feeling part of the community,” said Ms. Capozzoli. “Fortunately, there are ways to make the 4th of July celebrations more sensory-friendly and accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

Variety is offering the following tips to help parents of children with sensory sensitivity prepare for a new experience and enjoy America’s 250th birthday celebration:

• Use a calendar to count down the days and let your child know that something different is coming up.
• Use visual like a story or picture schedule to help your child understand what to expect.
• Create a calming routine for when your child becomes overwhelmed, such as deep pressure or calming activities.
• Watch videos or look at pictures of similar activities to help your child get familiar with them.
• Choose the best location for the event. Sometimes it is better to watch from a window of a more controlled environment.
• Educate others who will be sharing the event with your child about what to do and how to respond.
• Brings sensory supports like noise-canceling headphones, squeeze toys, or a blanket or towel to provide comfort.
• Try to make a game out of loud events, such as counting down between the louder parts of a parade or guessing the color of the next set of fireworks.
• Remember it is okay to end or leave the activity early.

About Variety Child Learning Center
Variety Child Learning Center (Variety) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fosters the development, education and inclusion of children who require specialized services. Variety offers programs at four Long Island preschool-based locations, as well as in the home and community. Chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, and regulated by the State Education Department, the Department of Health, and the Office of Children and Family Services, Variety provides a comprehensive range of programs and services that meet the individual educational, therapeutic and social-emotional needs of children with and without disabilities. Programs include early intervention, and preschool and universal pre-K, with evaluations offered for supportive services/ therapies, childcare, and family support. All aspects of a child’s development—from six weeks through eight years of age—are addressed. Variety’s programs are led by compassionate and dedicated professionals, including special education teachers; social workers and psychologists; speech, physical and occupational therapists; and an experienced administrative and executive leadership team. For more information, visit www.varietyclc.org, or call 516-921-7171.