July 4th is one of my favorite holidays! It can be an amazing and fun holiday to celebrate, but it’s also a noisy and busy one. And for an Autism family this can present challenges for their child or loved one with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism can affect every aspect of your daily life, down to holiday traditions and tailoring to the sensory needs of your child. Its not bad, just different, even "normal" families have to make changes to their lives when they welcome a child. For ASD families its the same, but the changes made might have to be a little different, depending on the individual. Madasun seems to always enjoy her summer holidays spending the morning painting and reading then heading off to the beach, bbqing with friends and family and watching the fireworks show a few beaches away from the beach where the celebration takes place, the massive crowd becomes too much for her so we have our own party on the beach with family and friends, sparklers, and treats. Memorial Day and Labor day is usually celebrated with roman candles, giant sparklers and fountain fireworks in the back yard of my parents as we swim and BBQ and Madasun can watch the fireworks safely behind the sliding glass door. Her rule, not ours. Here are some tips on a fun, stress free 4th of the July for those with loved ones on the spectrum.
For starters, start thinking about what size of celebration is right for your family and child. It could be a backyard barbeque with close friends and family followed with sparklers, maybe town parade or firework celebration, a day on the beach or camping trip. Maybe it’s going to town for full-out fireworks.
If you decide to attend a fireworks display, or a big party here are some tips to consider:
1. Prepare your child in advance. Talk about what’s going to happen at the party or fireworks display. You can show your child pictures or PECs social stories and schedule. You can show a video of fireworks, playing it quietly at first, then slowly turning up the volume. Explain that there will be lots of people.
2. Focus on the fun! Tell your child why you enjoy fireworks or a holiday barbeque with friends. Let him see that you’re excited to attend. This will help him get excited too. Describe the activities you know they might enjoy.
3. Bring along favorite items such as toys, games and snacks. This can provide a crucial distraction if your child gets antsy while waiting for activities to start.
4. Have a blanket, towel or chair for your son. Creating a defined space that’s “his/her own” can help a child with autism feel more comfortable in a crowd.
5. Consider bringing headphones to help block out excessive noise. As we all know, fireworks can pack a lot of sensory stimulation! Also consider sitting some distance from the display ,someplace you can still see the colorful explosions, but without the intense noise.
6. Make sure your child knows how to ask for a break from the crowd or noise. If your child is verbal, he may only need a reminder. However, many children on the spectrum do best with a visual aid. For example, provide your child with a special card to hand to you when he needs a break from the stimulation.
7. Make sure safety is a priority. Check out “Stay Safe This July 4” from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
With all the excitement, events, crowds, commotion and possible triggers that often come with the holidays it is important to remember SAFETY!
49% of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorders have Wandering/Elopement tendencies. Similar to wandering behaviors in seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, children with Autism are prone to wandering away from a safe environment. Unfortunately, many cases end in tragedy.
Wandering is the tendency for an individual to try to leave the safety of a responsible person's care or a safe area, which can result in potential harm or injury.
Wandering occurs across all settings, under every type of adult supervision. Increased risks are associated with autism severity. Accidental drowning accounts for approximately 90% of lethal outcomes. 32% of parents of elopers have reported a "close call" with drowning. Some dangers associated with autism wandering include: *Drowning
*Exposure
*Dehydration
*Hypothermia
*Traffic Injuries
*Falls
*Physical Restraint
*Encounters with strangers
Some safety tips include:
1. Secure your home
Consider wind chimes on doors, windows and gates, securing dead bolt locks that require keys on both sides, a home security alarm system, inexpensive battery-operated alarms on doors, placing hook and eye locks on all doors above your child's reach, fencing your yard, adhering printable STOP SIGNS to doors, windows and other exits, etc.
2. Consider a tracking device:
Check with local law enforcement for Project Lifesaver or LoJak SafetyNet services. These tracking devices are worn on the wrist or ankle and locate the individual through radio frequency. Various GPS tracking systems are also available.
3. Consider an ID Bracelet:
Medical ID bracelets will include your name, telephone number and other important information. They may also state that your child has autism and is non-verbal if applicable. If your child will not wear a bracelet or necklace, consider a temporary tattoo with your contact information.
4. Teach your child to swim (one of the most important safety measures!)
Swimming lessons for children with special needs are available at many YMCA locations. The final lesson should be with clothes on. Remember: teaching your child how to swim does not mean your child is safe in water. If you own a pool, fence it and if neighbors have pools, let them know of these safety precautions and your child's tendency to wander. Remove all toys or items of interest from the pool when not in use.
5. Alert Your Neighbors
It is recommended that caregivers plan a brief visit with neighbors to introduce their loved or provide a photograph. Knowing your neighbors can help reduce the risks associated with wandering. See the caregiver tool kit below for resources to use to alert them.
6. Alert First Responders
Providing first responders with key information before an incident occurs may improve response. Informational handouts should include all pertinent information and be copied and carried with caregivers at all times. Circulate the handout to family, neighbors, friends and co-workers, as well as first responders. See the tool kits below for resources to use to alert them.
1. Make sure your child is under constant supervision while out and about, be sure to have your child wear a safety alert Autism bracelet with information on it, or a temp. tattoo.
2. Have a family emergency Wandering plan ready.
4. Be sure everyone in your group is aware of your child's Wandering, Elopement or bolting tendencies.
5. Make sure fireworks, BBQs, fires etc are all watched and not accessible to your child.
6. If you are attending a backyard BBQ at a family or friends house adhere red, printable stop sign to doors, windows and gates. Make sure all the windows, gates and doors are secure. Remove toys and objects of interest from the pool when finished.
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8. If you are out of town alert campground or hotel staff of your child's Wandering/Elopement behaviors.
9. Adhere a safety sticker alerting first responders in the event of an accident that there is an individual with Autism that may not respond to verbal commands on your car window.
Summer is a fun time for the whole family, when having children families take precautions, autism families may have to make different preparations and take different precautions. Have a great 4th of July everyone!!!
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