Traditions are Tricky!

Every year while families are planning their Fourth of July gatherings OUR family has a difficult time. This particular holiday is a sensory nightmare for many with ASD and we have spent most of the past Fourth of July holidays creating alternative plans to celebrate.

The fireworks, loud music, large gatherings and all human behavior associated with it gives our daughter anxiety or grief. Over the years it has become slightly better. When our daughter was small we had to sit in a closet with her to muffle the noise. As she grew curious about the festivities connected with the “4th” we drove around in our car -for HOURS- looking for the perfect spot to view the spectacular shows but not HEAR the constant popping noises.
Then we progressed to going to a hotel to watch from a balcony. AND finally- while it is still a bit overwhelming- she can watch a real display with all the bells and whistles.

Traditions are tricky! Sometimes they evolve and sometimes you find a creative way to make a tradition your own. Either way you find a way to appreciate what you have. Looking back- the traditions we created to work around our daughter’s sensitivities made
them all the more special. To our sensory families- Happy 4th!