Children with autism who have sensory processing difficulties often experience their environment in a unique way. With the Fourth of July coming up, this can be a difficult time for children with sens
Published Jun 26, 2023 4:41:00 PM·Updated February 19, 2026
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For many families living with autism, fireworks shows are a source of anxiety, especially if family members have had stressful past experiences with fireworks.
What can be louder, brighter, and busier than a night out under a fireworks-firing sky?
What happens to you when you think about a situation that has caused you stress in the past? I know that I get filled with anxiety. Just the anticipation of that uncomfortable situation is enough to make me procrastinate, stress out, and want to avoid it.
Children with autism are no different.
Just like you and I, children with autism who have experienced the discomfort brought on by whistling, crackling, and flashing fireworks can be filled with anxiety when they even just think about attending a fireworks show.
Before you decide to just skip it, discover how you can reduce fireworks-related anxiety in your child with ASD.
You can help reduce your child’s anxiety by properly preparing for the fireworks show you’d like to attend.
One great way to prepare in advance for any overwhelming event is to read what is called a social story to the child. Social stories describe social scenarios in a story form presenting background, perspective, expectation, and coping skills for any given situation.
Rosie Neustadt, clinical director at Circle Care Services prepared a social story for July 4, 2023: What to Expect at a July 4 Fireworks Show.
Social stories are just one way to help children with autism cope with stress. Reach out to Circle Care Services to learn more about how our handpicked autism specialists can help your child reach more goals using ABA therapy.
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Rosie Neustadt Ms. Ed, BCBA, LBA oversees our team so every client gets the best care. As a former classroom teacher, mom of 7, and BCBA for over 13 years, Rosie’s an expert on young learners and is passionate about making a difference. When she has a spare minute, you can find her reading a good book.
