Life as a SEN mum

“Remember, remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason, why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.”

Usually we keep things quiet for bonfire night. Mostly because we’ve never been sure quite how either James or Charlotte would react to a busy event. But this year, after a tip off from a friend (who also managed to photobomb this photo and none of us realised), we booked for a smaller display.

Both were so excited to go. It was a rough start, when we arrived Charlotte just complained about one thing or another for a good hour, between her wanting to be carried everywhere or attempting to run off, we were very close to calling it a day before things got started. Once the fireworks started though she thankfully settled down and was absolutely loving it. It all got a little too much for James though who ended up watching from a distance.

Despite it, we definitely would go again, and here are some tips for anyone who is either taking kids to their first display or are unsure about taking autistic children to organised displays.

1. Do your research: look on google/Facebook or ask around and find a smaller event. The one we went to didn’t include rides, which massively cut down on the chaos and noise (and saved a lot of money)
2. Don’t forget the ear defenders if needed. We actually don’t have any because neither of them are overly triggered by noise, and honestly I never thought about it because James usually loves standing outside watching fireworks. But last night the close proximity and number of fireworks in a short space of time got too much and he did end up covering his ears before watching from the school hall.
3. If you’re still unsure but want to do something look for alternatives, in the past we’ve been to bonfires that don’t include fireworks.
4. Don’t feel pressured, there are plenty of fun ways you can enjoy bonfire night from the warmth and comfort of your own home

Feel free to add any of your tips or favourite displays in the comments to help everyone out for next year.

🔥🎇