Bonfire Night and Fireworks: Supporting Neurodivergent Families

Bonfire Night (or Guy Fawkes Night) is a much loved British tradition celebrated every year on the 5th November. Across the country, families gather to watch firework displays, light sparklers, and enjoy cosy autumn treats around bonfires. However, Bonfire Night can result in big feelings for many autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Such as, excitement, curiosity, anxiety, or sensory overload. Sudden bangs, bright flashes, and unpredictable noises can be overwhelming, even from indoors.

With a little preparation and flexibility, it’s possible to make this experience calmer, safer, and more enjoyable. In a way that works best for your family!

Preparing for Bonfire Night

Even if you don’t plan to celebrate, fireworks may still be heard for several days before and after Bonfire Night. Preparing helps reduce stress and confusion.

• Talk about what to expect: watch videos on YouTube of fireworks, or use books and social stories to explain what happens.

• Mark the dates on a calendar and note when local displays will take place, so you know when to expect louder evenings.

• Practise calming strategies ahead of time, such as deep breaths, fidget tools, or create a “safe space”.

• Offer choice and control: decide as a family how you’d like to spend the evening, whether that’s watching fireworks or having a quiet night in.
  

Enjoying Bonfire Night at Home

If large crowds or loud noises aren’t your family’s thing, you can still enjoy Bonfire Night from the comfort of home:

• Watch displays on TV or YouTube: you can control the volume, brightness, and take breaks anytime.

• Have a mini “fireworks night” indoors: use glow sticks, fairy lights, or a projector showing colourful light displays.

• Make it cosy and predictable: close curtains, dim lights, and settle in with favourite snacks, TV programmes / films, or games.
  
• Comfort items help to aid regulation: provide ear defenders, weighted blankets, a favourite cuddly toy, or gentle background music.
  

Managing Fireworks if You’re Excited But Easily Overwhelmed

Some neurodivergent individuals love fireworks but can find the experience too intense once they’re there. These strategies can help:

• Attend a quieter firework display, which tends to be earlier in the evening when it is less busy.

• Watch from a distance or stay in the car to reduce sensory input while still enjoying the view.

• Bring sensory supports: such as ear defenders, fidget tools, chewy jewellery, wearing a heavy backpack, crunchy snacks, or a drink with a straw.

• Use sunglasses or a cap to reduce glare from bright flashes.

• Take regular breaks: step away for a quiet moment, listen to music, or take a short walk if things feel too much.

• Keep expectations flexible: it’s okay to leave early if needed. Ending the night calmly is more important than staying for the finale.
  

When the Night Feels Challenging

If fireworks nearby make it hard to relax at home:

• Create a “safe space”: a cosy corner with blankets, fidgets, a tablet or TV, and favourite comfort items.

• Close curtains and windows to reduce flashes and muffle sound.

• Play familiar background noise: a favourite programme, gentle music, or white noise can help mask unexpected bangs.

• Offer reassurance: let everyone know it’s okay to feel unsettled, and that the noises will stop soon.

• Model calm responses: children often take cues from adults; keeping your own tone steady helps them feel more secure.
  

Don’t Forget the Importance of Recovery

After the excitement (or stress) of fireworks, the nervous system can still be heightened or alert. It’s important to build in time for rest and recovery once the night is over. Recovery is just as important as preparation; it helps people feel safe, regulated, and ready for the days ahead. Try quiet, grounding activities such as:

• A warm bath or shower.

• Reading a favourite story or listening to calming music.

• Gentle movement or stretching.

• Use deep pressure tools such as  weighted blankets, resistance bands, fidget putty, or stress balls

Remember: You Do You!

There’s no single right way to experience Bonfire Night. Whether your family loves fireworks or prefers quiet comfort at home, what matters most is that everyone feels safe, calm, and included.

At Autism Positive, we believe in supporting every individual to experience the world in a way that works best for them!