Fireworks 'exciting but scary' for autistic people

As fireworks begin to light up the skies across the West, many families are looking forward to Bonfire Night celebrations.

But for some autistic people, the season brings a different kind of anticipation.

Dr Angela Kingdon, from Portishead, in north Somerset, loves getting wrapped up warm and spending time with friends and family at this time of year.

But for her, enjoying fireworks takes preparation that many people never have to think about.

"For me, fireworks night is exciting but scary," said Kingdon, who has autism and hosts the Autistic Culture podcast.

"I make sure to have noise-cancelling earphones with me and some white noise at the ready if I need it."

Kingdon said organised displays are usually manageable because she can prepare for them, but it is the fireworks she does not see coming that are more difficult.

"If I'm working and my neighbours suddenly set off fireworks and then the other neighbour's dog starts barking, I'm dysregulated," she said.

"It's much harder to recover from that than it is to prevent it."

That uncertainty is something many autistic people struggle with, according to Claire Naylor, from Taunton, whose two sons are autistic.

She said people often assume fireworks are difficult because of the loud bangs, but the reality is far more complex.

"Fireworks are a whole sensory experience," she said.

"For someone who enjoys visual stimulation, the lights and noise can even feel exhilarating.

"For someone else, loud bangs they cannot control or predict may feel overwhelming or physically uncomfortable."

She said unpredictable environments or sudden changes can feel threatening and "trigger intense anxiety and a physical stress response".

"At a fireworks event, not knowing when the next bang will happen, how long a queue will last or what is happening in the darkness can all add to that sense of uncertainty."

Their experiences reflect those of many autistic people, according to the National Autistic Society.

"Many autistic people enjoy fireworks, but for others, unexpected flashes and loud bangs, as well as large crowds at displays, can be distressing and trigger intense anxiety," said Chrystyna Chymera-Holloway, from the charity.

"For some autistic people, it can even be physically painful if they experience sensitivity to light and sound."

According to the NHS, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - its medical name - is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world.

It is estimated that about one in every 100 people in the UK is autistic, with more boys than girls diagnosed with the condition.

It can alter how you respond to lights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch.

Across the West, growing awareness of experiences of autistic people has prompted organisers to rethink traditional displays.

This year Westbury Junior School in Wiltshire has replaced its traditional fireworks display with a laser light show.

Lauren Taylor, chair of the school association, said the decision was driven by a desire to create an event that everyone in the community could enjoy.

"We chose this option because so many of our children, not just those in the resource base, struggle with loud noises and the stop-start nature of a standard fireworks display.

"It's often not just the fireworks themselves, but the anticipation, not knowing what day they might go off or when the next one is coming.

"We're hoping to alleviate at least some of that stress."

• Low Noise Fireworks at Old Down Estate in Tockington, Bristol. Thursday 5 November at 16:00 - 18:00 and 19:00 - 21:00
• Laser Light Show at Westbury Junior School in Westbury, Wiltshire. Monday 2 November at 17:00
• Low Noise Display at Malford Meadow in Christian Malford, Wiltshire. Saturday 7 November at 18:00
• Cinderford Low Noise Fireworks Display at Steam Mills in Cinderford, Gloucestershire. Friday 6 November at 19:00
• Lydney Low Noise display at Bathurst Park in Lydney, Gloucestershire. Thursday 5 November at 19:00
• Reduced Noise display at Fireworks on the Hill at Clevedon Cricket Club, North Somerset. Saturday 31 October at 18:30
• Low Noise fireworks display at North Somerset Showground in Wraxall
• Dunkertons Low Noise fireworks display at Dowdeswell Park in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Tuesday 3 November at 18:30

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