Four Tips to Help Children with Autism Overcome Fear with Fireworks
Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated by Indians across the world with fireworks. Even during COVID-19 restrictions, bursting crackers and sparklers are expected around the globe. However, these unpredictable bright and noisy displays can be overwhelming for children with Autism who may be sensitive to sounds and lights and are unprepared.
Here are a few tips to help better manage your child.
Prepare your child ahead of time by explaining what happens during fireworks using social stories. You can take the help of your speech language pathologist in creating a social story based on your child’s language comprehension and keep it customized.
Keep away from danger. Talk to your child not to get close to fireworks or pick used ones from the ground.
Sensitive children. If your child is unable to tolerate the bright lights or has sensitive ears, allow her to watch from behind the window inside your home. Do NOT attempt flooding by overstimulating the child with fireworks considering it might help. Such practices will only induce more anxiety in the child and might prolong the duration of overcoming fears. Allow your child to take the lead in exploring fireworks with the parent’s supervision.
Noise Cancellation. Children who are sensitive to loud noises can be allowed to stay indoors, cover ears with their hands, wear headphones or ear plugs, whichever best suits them to mask these noises out. This is especially essential for children who exhibit high anxieties.
Each child is unique and has to be catered according to her strengths or challenges. Understanding your child’s anxiety is essential to help them overcome obstacles and stay calm despite all the noises around.
Helpful resources
https://carolgraysocialstories.com/social-stories/what-is-it/