Fireworks displays, often a hallmark of autumn celebrations, can cause significant distress for individuals with autism, leading to sensory overload and anxiety, according to advocates and parents. Laura Miller, a mother of a six-year-old daughter named Grace who has autism, has initiated a petition urging local authorities to implement firework control zones.
Miller's petition, posted on Change.org, calls on East Dunbartonshire Council to establish these zones, similar to measures already in place in parts of Glasgow and Edinburgh. She notes that while the distress fireworks cause to animals is widely recognized, the impact on people with conditions like autism is less frequently discussed.
Grace, diagnosed with autism two years ago, experiences considerable distress each autumn. "She has so much distress when it starts and is often crying herself to sleep," Miller told BBC Scotland News. "You feel absolutely powerless when it all kicks off every night. Your children look to you for protection and for you to come up with a solution, but in this case you can't."
Individuals with autism can have varying sensitivities to sensory input. For Grace, loud noises can be overwhelming, triggering a sensory overload. She currently uses ear defenders, but these only partially muffle the sounds.
Miller is advocating for local authorities to utilize powers granted by the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill in 2022. Following this legislation, Edinburgh and Glasgow City Councils have introduced firework control zones in specific areas to address anti-social behavior associated with Bonfire Night. These zones prohibit the setting off of fireworks on private property, although organized displays remain permitted.
While East Dunbartonshire has not faced the same degree of anti-social behavior, Miller highlights the sheer volume and duration of fireworks being set off daily from October onwards as a significant issue. "I don't want to ruin anyone's fun but this is a real struggle," she stated, emphasizing that the problem extends beyond November 5 and New Year's.
The National Autistic Society has previously issued guidance to help individuals with autism cope with the challenges of the fireworks season, offering strategies to manage stress and anxiety.