The Freedom to Celebrate the Fourth of July Your Own Way

The Fourth of July is thought of as a day of celebration, full of fun, food, and fireworks. Many people look forward to this day each year, but it’s not a positive experience for everyone. For a child with autism, the traditional Independence Day festivities can result in more overwhelm than excitement. They may have to contend with crowds, unfamiliar faces, loud music, strong smells, booming fireworks, and routine disruption. Instead of a day of fun and celebration, it can become be a day of stress and anxiety. 

There’s good news, though. The Fourth of July is all about freedom, and we’re here to remind you that you’re free to celebrate the day any way you’d like. Create new traditions that work for your family, keeping the elements that make sense for you and tossing out the rest. If your child struggles with many aspects of the Fourth of July, create a memorable family day they’ll look forward to every year. Keep reading for some ideas to build your own customized holiday itinerary!

Fireworks, Your Way

There’s no denying that for many, fireworks are one of the highlights of the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, they are also one of the more overwhelming parts of the holidays. They are loud, unpredictable, and often viewed from a crowded, public place. Instead, do some pre-planning to find a quieter location that’s further away from the more populated events. Set up a picnic or even stay in the car for the show. Turn on your family’s favorite music or utilize noise-cancelling headphones to muffle out the booms. You can even choose to skip live events completely. Grab snacks, dim the living room lights, and enjoy your own private show from the comfort of your home. Pull up a fireworks show on the TV (with low or muted volume) or bust out glow sticks to create your own light show! The only goal is to create a fun experience to celebrate in a way that allows your child to feel safe and supported. 

Bring It to the Backyard 

There’s no shortage of events available for celebrating July 4th - community events, local festivals, group BBQs, the list goes on. But sometimes the best celebrations take place right at home. If you already know that navigating an event packed with people is not the ideal situation for your family, simply pass on that event. Create your own backyard celebration tailored to your family’s needs, keeping the party on familiar grounds. Keep it small with your immediate family, or extend an invitation to close family and friends that your child is comfortable around. Enjoy holiday-themed snacks and desserts and include fun activities like sidewalk chalk, patriotic crafts, glow sticks, sprinklers, etc. 

On Your Own Time

Fourth of July celebrations tend to last all day, but the majority of activities take place later in the evening. This can be difficult for any child after a long, busy day, but particularly rough on children with autism. Don’t feel obligated to follow anyone else’s schedule for celebrating - the only timeline that matters is the one that works best for your family. Consider planning your events - either out in public or at home - earlier in the day to avoid the more stimulating portions of the evening while also staying close to your normal routine. 

Assess and Pivot

It’s important to remember that sometimes it’s necessary to assess the situation and pivot the plan. You may have created the perfect itinerary of sensory-friendly activities that your child usually enjoys, and the day may still go off track. If your child starts showing signs that they are becoming overwhelmed, it’s okay to end the day early. It’s better to end the day on a positive note than to force activities that lead to anxiety and stress. 

The holidays can feel like they come with pressure to celebrate the way that others do. But there is no “right” way to celebrate - it’s all about what works best for your family. Prioritizing your child’s needs and creating a day that’s all about your family will help foster connection and create special traditions you can repeat for years to come. 

How Bloom Behavioral Healthcare Can Help

At Bloom Behavioral Healthcare, we know that life brings both excitement and challenges - often both at once. We work closely with families to evaluate your child’s strengths and needs to create actionable goals that support emotional regulation, communication, confidence, and more. These skills are important for not only day-to-day life, but for special celebrations such as the Fourth of July. 

We’d be happy to talk with you more about how we can use compassionate ABA therapy to help your child build these skills in a way that makes the most sense for their specific needs, while still celebrating who they are. Contact Bloom today to learn more.