As we approach the Independence Day weekend, most people are looking forward to cookouts, sun and fun at the beach, maybe a baseball game, family time and fireworks. This is one of the two times of the year that I dread. Children with autism have their senses a little more sensitive than the rest of us. Bright lights or strong smells, like ammonia or fish, will bother them a great deal. Loud noises are no exception. When Jason was younger, July 4th meant laying in his bed with him, earplugs in place, as he curled up in the fetal position with both of our hands over his ears. If anyone on our block had fireworks, it was that much worse. He likes watching the Macy's fireworks from New York on TV, he just doesn't want to hear the loud booms.
As he's gotten older, his tolerance has gotten better, but that is not true of all kids in the same boat. It also doesn't mean it's not a problem today. Two years ago, we went to Disney and stayed for the fireworks at Cinderella's castle. With earplugs firmly in place, we thought we had everything covered. Once the show started, however, he buried his face in my chest as we tried to cover his ears with our hands to reinforce the plugs. To his credit, he didn't make us leave and stood there the whole time so that we could see the show, even though he wouldn't turn to face the fireworks out of fear. Nowadays, he doesn't curl up anymore, unless the fireworks are right outside our house. New Year's Eve isn't as bad, but it's got its share of fireworks as well. Sometimes if the music in our house can overcome the sound of the fireworks, he's ok. Loud music is fine with him, as long as it's music he likes.
There's no deep, hidden meaning to this post. Just wanted to share what this weekend is like for us. Have a safe and happy 4th, emphasis on safe.
Claro have you thought of getting a pair of those noise canceling headphones people use when they travel on airplanes? If he enjoys music maybe he can listen to his favorite song while watching fireworks? Or Peltor earmuffs. Those work way better than ear plugs but I'm not sure if he might find earmuffs uncomfortable to wear.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the noise canceling headphones in Best Buy and I like them, but they're expensive as hell. I may have to bite the bullet and get them, though. When we went to Orlando for the second swim meet, he got worried that we would go to Disney that night and have to deal with the fireworks at the castle. So if I ever want to go back to Disney, I'll have to have some kind of solution available to him.
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