Festive Fun or Festive Frenzy?
The “time of year” continues and this one starts and ends with a bang. For many the idea of fireworks conjures up images of a visual spectacular while sipping on a hot chocolate and oohing and aahhing with friends and family. However, for those with autism Bonfire Night as well as Diwali, can be a distressing experience, causing the nervous system to overload inducing anxiety and stress and for those with sensory issues, fireworks can be a disturbing, overwhelming experience.
Bonfire Night, aka Guy Fawkes, aka Remember Remember the 5th of November – creates a cluster of reactions and emotions from the environs; sounds (fireworks), social interactions (crowds), sensory overload (sights, sounds and smells) ae well as again the changes in daily schedules (school timetables and after school routines). In all of this the individual with autism needs to feel supported and nurtured.
RESEARCH
There are a number approaches that can be taken. Firstly, check with your local authority as they often put on firework displays for those with disabilities and while not directly “autism friendly” they tend to be less crowded, shorter in time and away from the bustling crowds of larger firework events. If this is not possible then find out where the fireworks are being held then drive around and find a location that is away from the crowds in order to watch the fireworks from afar.
If these are not appropriate for the person with autism however they love the idea of fireworks there are a number of creative ways to replicate fireworks. Yotism has pinned a number of ideas here at Pinterest or we came across this lovely idea from The Teacher Traveller using sparklers safely and with some sensory feedback.
RECOGNISE
Recognising the needs of autism and fireworks is a two-part process; one part is meeting the needs of the someone on the spectrum on a practical, physical level and the second part is working with the neurological and physiological level.
On a practical level preparation can begin using social stories/videos around Bonfire Fire Night and what to expect, including the unexpected sounds and after effects of fireworks whizzing through the air. We have compiled a short list here Often a lot of anxiety around fireworks stems from the fear of being hurt, so take the opportunity to speak to the person with autism about fire and firework safety, the associated dangers of pyrotechs and reassuring them on the safe use and rules of using fireworks.
On a neurological and physiological level there are some simple, yet effective tools that can be introduced to restore inner calm and self-regulation.
Two soothing Yoga positions are the knee to chest position or child’s pose as they create a “den like” feel by protecting the front of the body and while simultaneously calming the nervous system. These positions instinctively activate a self-regulatory tool that connects the upper and lower body while releasing tension in the neck and shoulders. This can be used either pre or post fireworks, ideally both, as it communicates a soothing and safe space.
A lovely practical tool involves the use of a Mandala Meditation. Meditation or mindfulness is the art of concentration and a release from the normal, fast paced mental state that someone with autism experiences. Often entering this space can be difficult so incorporating a visual along with an auditory cue and tactile tracing of a mandala replicating a firework can help imbed into the consciousness a calming, deeper connection with an event often associated as frightening and overwhelming.
RESPECT
Working with autism and fireworks can be a difficult journey and meeting the person where they are at is vital. There a couple of lovely, practical therapies that can be utilised to prevent an overwhelming response or as a tool if over stimulation has occurred.
The first is the placing of a warm hot water bottle (please make sure it is not piping hot!) on the diaphragm to soothe a physiological response to pain and discomfort. The heat from the hot water bottle will create a sense of deep relaxation by improving circulation and relaxing the muscles of the vessel walls. This response will help to calm down rapid breathing and help restore breathing patterns back to a more controlled and calm way.
The second is to create some deep pressure feedback through the use of a weighted blanket around the body and/or weighted bean bags on the hands, feet or forehead. The power of deep pressure during a heightened space of anxiety provides proprioceptive (awareness of one’s body in their environment) benefits as it calms the body’s response down and in doing so helps to organise thoughts and responses more rationally.
