Ah, summer in Kawartha Lakes. The long days, the smell of barbecue, the shimmer of lakes under the sun—and, for many families, the sudden, heart-pounding BOOM of fireworks exploding across the sky.

For a lot of people, fireworks are the cherry on top of a long weekend. But if you’re caring for someone with autism, those loud noises, bright flashes, and unpredictable timing can be a lot to handle. And with celebrations like Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Pyrofest lighting up the skies around here, it’s worth being ready.

Here are some tips to help you plan ahead so your loved one—whether they love fireworks, hate them, or fall somewhere in between—can feel safer and more in control.

🎆 1. Know When and Where

Start by checking your local events calendar. In Kawartha Lakes, you can usually count on fireworks happening around:

Victoria Day (May 2-4 weekend)
Canada Day (July 1st)
Pyrofest, a big event with music and fireworks displays
Other local festivals and cottage celebrations

Knowing the date and approximate time gives you a huge head start. Even if you’re not attending, having that heads-up can help you prepare for the noise.

🧠 2. Talk About It Ahead of Time

If your person benefits from visuals or routines, build some information into their day:

Use a visual schedule to show that fireworks are happening
Watch videos of fireworks ahead of time with the volume low
Talk about the sounds, smells, and lights they might experience—even if you’re staying indoors

This can help take away some of the unpredictability and lower anxiety.

🎧 3. Make a Comfort Plan

Whether you’re watching from afar or just trying to get through the night in peace, have a plan ready:

Noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders can make a huge difference (check out our blog on where to find some around Kawartha Lakes)
Weighted blankets, fidget tools, or comfort items like stuffed animals or a favourite hoodie can help regulate nervous systems
Set up a quiet space at home with dim lighting, soft music, or their favourite show or game queued up

🏡 4. Pick the Right Spot (or Don’t Go at All)

If your loved one wants to experience fireworks but just needs a bit of distance:

Try viewing from a faraway hill or across a lake like Sturgeon Lake or Pigeon Lake
Stay in the car with the windows up and the volume controlled
Watch from a friend’s porch or somewhere with an easy exit route

And if it’s too much? That’s okay too. Choosing not to go is also a valid plan. You’re not missing out—you’re protecting peace.

🕰️ 5. Prep for Surprise Booms

Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the event itself, but the unpredictability. Some people in Kawartha Lakes (especially around cottage country) will set off fireworks the night before or even days after the holiday.

Here’s how to soften that impact:

Use white noise machines or fans to mask sudden sounds
Keep a "fireworks kit" handy with headphones, sunglasses, and comfort tools, just in case
Let neighbors know if possible—some communities are getting better about alerting others in advance

💬 6. Give Language and Autonomy

Help your loved one express how they feel about fireworks—even if that communication is non-verbal. If they’re able to say:

“Too loud”
“Let’s go inside”
Or even just hand you headphones or point to the door

…that’s a win. Build a system where they get to decide how much is too much.

💖 7. Debrief Without Judgment

After the fact, talk about what worked and what didn’t. Maybe they surprised themselves and loved it. Maybe they ran for cover five minutes in. Both are okay.

Let them know:

“I’m proud of you for trying.”
“You knew what you needed.”
“We’ll do it your way next time.”

That’s how you build self-trust—and community support too.

🌟 A Note for Everyone Else…

If you’re a neighbor, event organizer, or local business, consider:

Letting people know in advance about fireworks displays
Offering sensory-friendly events or quieter alternatives
Creating spaces that include, rather than overwhelm

We all have a role in making summer celebrations more accessible.

Fireworks can be magical. They can also be absolutely terrifying.

The key is knowing that autistic people are not overreacting—they are reacting appropriately to a very overwhelming situation.

So whether you’re setting up ear defenders at home or packing snacks for a lakeside viewing spot, know that there’s no “right” way to do fireworks. There’s just the way that works best for your person—and that’s more than enough.

Fireworks and Autism: 7 Tips for Navigating the Boom of Summer Holidays