The 4th of July: A Celebration with a Twist of Autism

As the 4th of July approaches, we’re looking forward to the usual tradition of heading down to my parents’ boat for the annual fireworks party overlooking the bay. The view is breathtaking, the atmosphere festive, and the fireworks are always a big hit. But for my daughter, who’s on the autism spectrum, this time of year is a mix of excitement and exhaustion.

She loves the fireworks. The sensory overload of sound is something she can handle, and in fact, she seems to seek out that intense light show. It’s a rare moment where her sensory preferences line up perfectly with the celebration. But when it comes to the party atmosphere, things get more complicated. The socializing, the noise, the unpredictability—it’s a lot for her to navigate.

Luckily, my mom understands. She allows my daughter to retreat to a quiet bedroom on the boat, where she can escape into her world and play her Nintendo Switch. I’ll admit, it makes me a bit sad to see her missing out on time with her cousins and the rest of the family, but I also understand that this is her way of coping. It’s not always easy for her, and I’m grateful she’s willing to go along with the tradition year after year, even if it means having her own little party below deck.

I know I’ll never fully understand what it feels like for her, but I appreciate her patience and the effort it takes for her to participate in these family moments. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to be supportive is simply to make space for someone to be themselves, even when it’s hard.