Sensory-Safe Holiday: Tips For Celebrating 4th Of July

Fourth of July is far from a quiet holiday. From noisy parades with marching bands and emergency vehicles, along with crushing crowds, to nighttime fireworks displays that light up the sky and shake the air, to even backyard firecrackers and roman candles, the day is chock-full of potential for overstimulation. What may seem like a fun celebration to most can quickly become overwhelming to those with sensory issues or PTSD, who are often sensitive to sudden loud noises or large groups of people. Here are some ways to make sure everyone can enjoy a safe, happy Independence Day this year.

If you know a family, friend or neighbor who suffers from PTSD, one of the best things to do is talk with them ahead of time, the Marine Corps Community Services said. Late-night, sudden pops and bangs from firecrackers and other small fireworks can often be triggering.

"Many Marines with PTSD can mentally prepare for planned events, like ones that occur annually in their hometowns. But ... the unexpected rat-a-tat of firecrackers could bring them back to the battlefield and set them on edge," reads an article from MCCS Forward.

For children with sensory issues, planning ahead is the best way to avoid overstimulation during fireworks displays, said Emily Lennon, a registered occupational therapist with Meeting Street. Here are Lennon's tips for a safe, fun fireworks experience.

For noise sensitivity:

• Watch fireworks from farther away so they are quieter.
• Wear noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs.
• Play familiar music on earbuds while watching the fireworks.

For visual sensitivity:

• Wear sunglasses during fireworks displays.
• Sit further away from the crowd to avoid unnecessary visual stimulation.

For touch sensitivity:

• Sit on a chair or blanket to avoid contact with sand, dirt or grass.
• Sit away from the crowd so they are not bumped unexpectedly by people in the crowd.

Calming techniques

Engage another sense

• Provide a distraction such as a fidget spinner, stress ball or clay/playdough during the firework display

Give deep pressure

• Before the fireworks begin, do wheelbarrow walking, tug of war, wear a weighted backpack or another activity that is resistive to calm and organize.
• Have the child sit between two people to "squish" them.
• Tightly wrap the child in a blanket.

Prepare ahead of time

• Watch a video about fireworks ahead of time so they are prepared for loud noise and sudden flashing lights.
• Write a social story about the sequence of the day and what happens during a firework display.

Give them some control:

• Have them watch for a particular color and count how many there are during the display.
• Have them say what color they see, such as red is for firetruck. With the delay of sound from the flash of color to the boom, they might be talking and not hear the sound as much.

Be prepared:

• Have some calm and relaxing time prior to firework display. If the day was busy and chaotic, the child will be less able to handle the noise, late bedtime, etc.
• Bring whatever the child needs to be comfortable, such as drinks, snacks and a jacket.
• Have an escape plan. Be at the edge of the crowd for an easier get away. Know the signs of overstimulation and meltdown and interfere or leave before it happens. If possible, have enough adults so that one can go to the car with the distressed child and distract them until the fireworks are finished.

Beavertail State Park in Jamestown will be holding a quiet viewing of the Fort Adams fireworks display on July 2 from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Because of its location on the opposite side of Narragansett Bay, the sounds of the fireworks will be much quieter than in Newport. The event is open to the public but designed for those with hearing sensitivities. Parking is available in lots three and four.