5 tips on managing Bonfire Night for neurodiverse children with sensory needs

Bonfire night is a fun and exciting night for many children and young people but for those with sensory issues or disabilities, the night can be anxiety-inducing, overwhelming and ultimately not enjoyable.

Whilst the flashing firework displays, pops, bangs and fizzes combined with the music and light of the fair and smell of burger vans and candy floss can be exhilarating for some, this can cause people with autism and other neurodiverse needs to suffer from sensory overload.

In some cases, sensory overload causes intensified sounds or sounds becoming distorted, the inability to detach sounds resulting in background or far away noises becoming a part of the cacophony and bright lights and flashes to distort and interfere with vision as they dance around in the child’s visuals. In some children or young people, this can result in distress and anxiety leading to a ‘meltdown’.

How can you make Bonfire night easier for a child or young person with sensory needs? Our top tips!

 Speak to them

With younger children start by being clear about what Bonfire Night is all about, what will happen, and what can they expect. Talk to them about the potential for triggers and explain how you can make that more manageable for them.

Older children and young people may already have developed a coping mechanism so take the time to speak to them about it, explore how this works for them and if they have any expectations for your inclusion.

Make a plan

If a night at home is decided to be the best option, then what can you have planned to ease the potential anxiety?

An earlier bedtime ensuring your child is asleep ahead of the firework displays could help. Why not make a fuss out of the bedtime routine, make it special and as though it is a treat to go to bed early? The last thing you want is to make an early bedtime feel like a punishment. Try a special bath with their favourite toys and lots of bubbles, then off to bed with their comfiest pyjamas and a relaxing bedtime story. If your child responds to music, try playing calming music to help them off to sleep whilst potentially blocking out some of the noise of the night.

If you are attending a display set the boundaries in advance giving your child a clear understanding of the options they have. For example, standing near the back of the crowd means avoiding becoming overwhelmed by the crowd but also the ability to leave quickly and easily should it be needed.

Have a plan for leaving, let your child know that they can leave at any time, return to the car or simply head home. This avoids a ‘meltdown’ if the situation becomes too much making it difficult to vocalise their needs.

If your child requires special equipment to make attending the display possible make sure to have it all prepared, ear defenders, a favourite toy, and sensory toys can all help to ease anxiety.

Prepare in advance

Some children will benefit from having a better understanding of what they can expect on the night. Use YouTube to show your children things like what fireworks look like, the lights of the fair rides and the bonfire. This will open up conversation and the opportunity for them to ask questions and for you to explain things like ‘why there is a man on the fire?’ and how he isn’t real.

It also allows for the child to be in control of the situation having the opportunity to walk away, to select the things they like to see and most importantly, the volume. Starting at a low volume will allow your child to take in the different elements separately and slowly bring them together as and when it is suitable.

Use distractions

Sensory toys can offer an element of comfort to children and young people in potentially high-stress environments as they offer a distraction, somewhere to refocus attention when everything else becomes overwhelming.

If you are staying at home you might find that watching films or TV programmes can be a good distraction. Not only will they mask the noise but they offer a place of comfort in something that the child will know well and can predict the outcome of through preexisting knowledge of the film or programme.

Show them it is ok

Although this might seem obvious, your child or young person will look to you for reassurance and safety so show them that everything is ok.

Remaining calm and displaying positive behaviours will help to ease any anxieties. Your child will be reassured by your calm presence and witnessing you and others safely enjoying the experience.

We hope that these tips go some way towards you all enjoying a fun and inclusive Bonfire Night.