Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who served, but for individuals with sensory sensitivities like many autistic children and adults, traditional celebrations can feel overstimulating. Here are five inclusive and meaningful ways to celebrate Memorial Day that respect sensory needs while still honoring the spirit of the holiday:
1. Backyard Picnic with Comfort Foods
Skip the crowded BBQs and host a peaceful picnic at home or in a quiet park. Stick to familiar, preferred foods that feel safe and enjoyable and bring along comforting items like soft seating, fidget toys, or a noise-reducing hoodie to help create a relaxed and soothing environment.
Recommended Purchases:
• Sensory-friendly picnic gear such as soft seating
• Fidget toys and chewable jewelry
2. Watch Fireworks from Home or Bring Sensory Supports
While Fireworks are beautiful, the loud, unexpected sounds can be overwhelming. One option is to stream a fireworks display from your TV or YouTube, where you can control volume and brightness for a more calming experience.
If your family really wants to see fireworks in person, we recommend bringing tools that support your child’s sensory needs such as Noise-canceling headphones or our QuietSense™ Sound-Reducing Hoodie. These can help reduce the intensity of the experience while still allowing them to enjoy the show.
Recommended Purchases:
• QuietSense™ Sound-Reducing Hoodie
• Child-sized noise-canceling headphones
• Calming sunglasses
3. DIY Red, White, and Blue Flag Crafts
Hands-on crafts are a great way to engage kids and adults in holiday fun without overwhelming stimulation. Try sponge painting flags, making sensory bottles with glitter and beads, or creating a textured collage using soft materials like felt and cotton balls.
Recommended Purchases:
• Non-toxic washable paints
• Soft fabrics and textured collage materials
• Pre-filled sensory bottle kits
4. “Freedom Feels Like…” Sensory Collage
Help your child express the meaning of Memorial Day in their own way. Set up a creative art station with feathers, fabric scraps, stickers, magazine cutouts, or natural materials like leaves. Ask them what freedom feels like to them and let them explore their answer through touch and visuals. This kind of open-ended art activity encourages emotional expression, language development, and fine motor skills through sensory play.
Recommended Purchases:
• Sensory art kits or starter sets
• Pre-cut collage materials
• Glue sticks, safety scissors, and tactile elements
5. Create a Gratitude or Memory Jar
Decorate a jar using stickers, markers, or fabric tape, then fill it with meaningful notes. These can be thank-you messages to veterans, reflections on what freedom means, or memories of loved ones. It’s a calming and heartfelt way to honor the day without overstimulation.
Recommended Purchases:
• Mason jars or wide plastic jars for younger kids
• Stickers, ribbon, and washi tape
• Pre-cut note cards or writing prompts
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