🎆 LET FREEDOM RING: Tips & Tricks to Prepare for July 4, 2025🎆

 



The fireworks, BBQs, parades, picnics, and 5K runs are all traditions most people have for the 4th of July.  However, people who are neurodiverse may struggle with certain celebrations during the day. 

Since July 4th, 2025 is in a few short days, I came up with a list of tips and tricks on how to make this Independence Day one to remember in a GOOD WAY!

🎆 Neurodivergent Survival Tips for the 4th of July 🎆

1. Make a Plan Ahead of Time

  • If crowds or unpredictability overwhelm you, planning for possible scenarios can help reduce anxiety.

  • Decide in advance what events you're attending and for how long.

2. Bring Sensory Tools

  • Pack noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs if fireworks or loud crowds are triggering.

  • Bring calming items like fidget toys, weighted objects, or soothing essential oils.

3. Prepare for Outdoor Conditions

  • If you're going to a park or outdoor event, bring:

    • A blanket or camping chair

    • Sunscreen

    • Sunglasses

    • A hat

    • A portable fan or cooling towel

4. Set Boundaries and Advocate for Yourself

  • Let friends, family, or hosts know if you have sensory sensitivities.

  • Tell them in advance when you plan to leave.

  • Let others know where you’ll be if you need space.

5. Identify a Calm/Quiet Space

  • Choose a location in advance where you can retreat if you feel overwhelmed.

  • This could be your car, a shaded bench, a bathroom, or a quieter area nearby.

6. Use Codewords with Trusted People

  • Have a simple signal or phrase to let friends/family know you need a break, sensory support, or are nearing a meltdown.

7. Modify the Fireworks Experience

  • Watch from inside a building or car to muffle sound.

  • Try alternatives like drone shows or laser light displays.

  • Or, enjoy televised versions like the PBS or NBC national fireworks broadcasts (no loud booms, all the sparkle!).

If you can think of more options, tips, or tricks, comment them for others to see.  
Have a safe and fun holiday on Friday and enjoy.  Remember: life is too short to complain.  Do whatever you can do to fix it!
If you liked this blog post, PLEASE comment down below what your favorite part was, share with your friends and family, etc.  Have any comments, questions, etc. about what you were reading? Reach out to me by messaging me on Instagram or TikTok @neurospicyblondie or email me  alyssa.onthespectrum@gmail.com.  


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What Can I Control?

Image
  What is control?  The  psychology definition of the word control is a person's ability or perception of their ability to affect themselves, others, their conditions, their environment or some other circumstance. Control over oneself or others can extend to the regulation of emotions, thoughts, actions, impulses, memory, attention or experiences.   As an autistic individual, control can be a hard concept to manage.  Here's the thing, we have a realm of what we can and can't control.  Think of reacting to your emotions like reacting to the weather, but with a proper balance.  I don't like the snow, especially when it is dangerous.  I can't control how much or when it snows outside.  HOWEVER, I can control how I react to the snow.  I can be mad OR I can be prepared.  I can go out wearing shorts and a tank top and risk freezing my butt off OR I can wear my warmest set of clothes so I can regulate the warmth in my body that the w...
Read more

The Difficulty Of Adult Relationships + Being Autistic

Image
  I stated a couple days ago that I was dry on topics to write about.  Today, that changed a bit.  I have been contemplating on what to write about for the last couple of days.  I have had the unfortunate chance of being faced with a difficult moment in one of my relationships with one of my friends.  This caused me to think about the complexity of being an adult and having autism and how those come into play.   When you have a disability and that disability is autism, you have the typical social and communication challenges.  Now, add the complexity of being an adult.  Everyone knows that when you're an adult, you go through different kinds of relationships such as romantic and platonic.  This is a normal concept.  I'll say this: I've never been in a romantic relationship at all.  I've only been on three dates.  My last date was January 2019.  I've been single my whole life (27-1/2 years). That being said, I've gone ...
Read more

Being a Friend vs. Being Friendly: A Neurodivergent Struggle

Image
  Have you ever met someone and thought "oh, they're being nice to me! I should be their friend, and have it not work out?"  Honestly, same.  Being autistic and neurodiverse, it can be hard to identify if I should be friends with someone or friendly.  Here's a little secret I've learned in the 27 years of my life: it is OKAY to not be friends with EVERYBODY!! --sometimes, people aren't looking to make friends or they're not interested in being friends with you and  THAT'S OKAY !!   As much as we want to be friends with everyone, this isn't possible.  Seems rude, but sometimes if we push ourselves to be friends with people, it's not going to be in our favor.   What we can do, is be NICE  to others or just be friendly to them.  This doesn't mean we're best friends.  It just means we are respectful and kind to them. But Alyssa! How can I tell if someone is being my friend or not? Good question! I'm glad you asked!  Sometimes,...
Read more