Happy Fourth of July may mean different things to a child with Autism. For example, some autistic children enjoy the loud fireworks and bright visual colors. In this case the Fourth of July display would be considered a reinforcer. The parent might use the ceremony display as a reinforcer by having it contingent on certain desirable behaviors such as eating dinner, dressing, absence of undesirable behaviors and even packing the car to go to the ceremony! In another example, the ceremony might be an aversive event. The autistic child may dislike the loud noise and the light may be overstimulating to them. In this case the parent might try to prevent behavior problems at the event by providing earplugs or radio earphones to mask the loud noises while the family enjoys the fireworks. Also, an alternative prevention technique would be to watch it on television and adjust the volume as needed. Parents and therapist should remember each autistic child is different and assess the different reactions in the past to problem situations. A complete analysis of past fourth of July behavior will result in more wonderful, happy and exciting Fourth of July celebration for you and your family!:)
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