DID you know that it’s not only animals that are affected by the loud bangs of fireworks but individuals with auditory sensitivities, too?

While this may be news to many, an autism school in Durban North is pulling out all the stops to make people aware of this.

Also read: Festival in uMhlanga to showcase differently abled people

Sheraine Reddy-Subraya is not only the co-founder of Autism Excellence Incredible Minds Therapy Centre but also mom to Paris who is autistic.

She and educators at school have placed banners in and around the premises calling for the stop of the use of fireworks which let off big bangs.

Speaking to Northglen News, she explained that auditory sensitivities occur in a region of the brain known as the somatosensory cortex, an area that has long been linked to autism.

“Essentially, the brain is responding more actively than it needs to when a noise occurs. This can spark a fight or flight response in your child: an intense feeling of anxiety that something is wrong,” said Reddy-Subraya.

This can cause someone with sensitivity to sound to feel anxious and distressed and can even cause panic attacks.
“It can interfere with communication, attention and the ability to participate in social activities. Speaking autistic adults have described big bangs as the feeling of knives stabbing into the inner ear. It is extremely painful for some of our autistic children and adults with hypersensitive hearing,” she added.

Reddy-Subraya and her family are Hindu and celebrate Diwali, too, but the bangs make it impossible for them to take Paris out to visit family on the day.

“Diwali can be and should be celebrated with lights as it is a celebration of light and overcoming darkness.”

She said that people should not feel personally attacked by the school’s campaign but should rather use it to re-evaluate the way celebrations take place.

Despite the efforts of Suraya-Moodley and other organisations to create awareness, there may still be loud bangs during Diwali celebrations on Thursday. “Create an environment at home conducive to quiet by padding windows, having either construction or noise-cancelling headphones available, and redirecting the child’s attention to something on television,” she said.

Non-speaking children can be prepped before fireworks occur with a social story of what to expect during these occasions.

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