Supporting Your Nuero Divergent Child During the 4th of July/Loud Celebrations

As the summer heats up, parents of children with sensory processing disorder or autism spectrum disorder may feel apprehensive about navigating loud celebrations, such as the upcoming 4th of July festivities. This can be a challenging time for both parents and children but with some simple strategies in place, it is possible to create a happy and healthy experience for everyone.

One key technique is to create a quiet space at the event. This could be a tent, a designated room, or even a quiet corner outside. Setting aside a quiet space can help overstimulated children feel more grounded and safe. It's also important to bring along sensory tools, toys, noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, or fidget toys. These can help children regulate their own sensory input, which can reduce stress and anxiety.

Another strategy is to maintain a routine as much as possible. If the child has a typical bedtime or mealtime, try to stick to this as much as possible. Also, make sure to bring along familiar foods and drinks that the child likes and is accustomed to. This can help the child feel more comfortable and in control, which can reduce the likelihood of behavior challenges. 

Additionally, parents can use visual supports, like pictures or schedules, to help children understand what will happen at the event and when. This can reduce anxiety and help the child feel more prepared. On top of that, parents can share the schedule with other family members or friends as well, this helps everyone be on the same page and support the child together. 

Finally, if the child does have a meltdown or a behavior challenge, remember to stay calm. Try not to get upset or angry, and instead, use gentle language and gestures to support the child. Take a break in the quiet space and try to soothe the child using familiar tools. This will help the child feel understood and supported, which can make a big difference in their overall experience. 

By using these strategies, parents can help create a supportive and healthy environment for children with sensory processing disorder or autism spectrum disorder during loud celebrations such as the 4th of July. Remember to be patient, flexible, and supportive, and your child will have a much better chance of enjoying the festivities alongside everyone else. 

Author

Dr. Muhammad Zeshan My name is Muhammad Zeshan, MD, and I am a Harvard trained infant, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Inside Out, a private practice based in Princeton, New Jersey. I am currently working as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School-Newark, New Jersey. Through Inside Out CURE, my focus is to help individuals become more Compassionate, Understanding, and aware of their inner strength and vulnerabilities, while developing Resilience and Empathy. I offer a variety of mental health care services to all age groups (infancy through adulthood) by applying principals of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology, family therapy, parent-child intervention therapy, pharmacology, and neuroscience.