MANHATTAN — With the Fourth of July approaching this week, people will soon gather for fireworks, food and fun. But for those with sensory sensitivities, especially children and individuals with PTSD, the holiday might not be one they look forward to.
Two Kansas State University experts are here to help with tips for sensory-aware Fourth of July preparation.
Jennifer Francois, professor of practice in the applied human sciences department and early childhood education program, and Arianna Williams, a licensed clinical professional counselor and the veteran and military-affiliated services counselor at Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services, say important steps include having a plan, paying attention to behaviors and reactions, finding a safe space, and having conversations about the situation.
The Fourth of July can create a lot of anxiety and stress for individuals who have sensory sensitivities because of the loud and sometimes unexpected noises from fireworks. Francois suggests planning ahead to avoid extra stress in the event of a reaction.
“Having a plan before an event is important,” Francois said. “For example, what is my plan going to be if my child becomes upset? Where are we going to go if I need to remove us from the situation?”
For those with post-traumatic stress disorder, Williams suggests knowing where to go and having skills, such as grounding, mindfulness and meditation, that work for you if you do get triggered by something.
She added that folks can also be aware of their neighborhood and discuss plans about fireworks with neighbors to find out if they are planning to start celebrating before the Fourth of July or continue celebrations after the holiday.
One of the most important things for parents is to listen to their child, Francois said.
“Pay attention to the child’s reactions and behaviors, and watch for increased anxiety and stress,” she said. “If the child becomes visibly upset and starts to cry or covers their ears or eyes, or says that they want to leave, then you want to honor that, and try and figure out a way to give them some respite from those sensory experiences.”
Francois also encourages parents to keep their child close.
“Have your child sit on your lap at first to give them the opportunity to stay close to someone they are familiar with,” Francois said. “If the child seems comfortable and is having fun, then maybe the child could sit next to the adult.”
It’s also important to be aware of signs that someone with PTSD might be struggling or need help during holiday celebrations.
“Sometimes it can be hard to recognize when someone with PTSD is triggered,” Williams said. “They might become withdrawn, emotionally guarded or disengaged from those around them. In some cases, you might notice heightened alertness or hypervigilance to their surroundings. If someone starts talking or behaving in a way that is unrelated to the current situation, it could indicate they’re experiencing a flashback. In these moments, it’s important to engage empathetically to develop a better understanding of what may actually be occurring.”
Williams emphasized that responses to triggers can vary widely from person to person.
“The most important thing is to offer support in a way that’s respectful and non-intrusive,” she said. “Avoid physical contact unless the person explicitly gives permission, and gently encourage them to take a break or step away if they need to.”
The Fourth of July brings not only fireworks but also large crowds and activities that can be overwhelming.
Francois suggests watching fireworks from an indoor space where a child can feel more protected from the noises and sensory stimuli.
For those with PTSD, Williams advises finding a safe, quiet place within their home or a friend or family member’s home.
Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs are also a way to reduce auditory stimuli that might disturb those with sensory sensitivities and PTSD, the K-State experts said.
Talk about what will happen on the fourth While the events of the Fourth of July can be stressful, discussing what it will be like or sharing your concerns with neighbors and loved ones in advance can be helpful.
For young children, Francois encourages adults to have an age-appropriate conversation with them prior to the holiday’s events.
“Talk with your child about what’s going to be happening in a way that they can understand, such as using a simple vocabulary when describing things,” she said. “Another great resource is using videos to show them what happens when fireworks go off, because a young child may not even know what the fireworks look or sound like.”
Both Francois and Williams encourage folks to talk with neighbors and friends about any sensory sensitivities and PTSD.
“If you feel comfortable sharing about your child’s sensory sensitivities, it can help others understand that your child might need support or that you might need to leave.” Williams added, “Making sure that your loved ones know about the experiences you are having so they can be a support person for you is important.”
The holiday will bring noise and activity, but if you follow the advice of Francois and Williams, you can be more prepared to handle sensitivities.
If additional support is needed, view the community resources page on the CAPS website. Other national resources include the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
