I am a parent to a 4 year old boy diagnosed with autism, I also have a 7 year old son, and a 10 month old baby. Living in an area where fireworks are frequently used has posed a significant trouble for our family. When these loud fireworks get set off, my 4 year old gets so distressed that he won't sleep - instead, he'll scream in his room for what feels like an endless amount of time. My other children are also adversely affected by his reactions, leading to a disconcerting household environment. I’m hoping in the very near future we will ALL be able to enjoy watching beautiful fireworks without it turning into emotional breakdowns that me or my 4 year old son can’t keep under control by no fault of our own. 

I am not alone. A study published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders journal reported that hypersensitivity to sound is common in autistic children and could lead to heightened distress and negative behavior (1).

Moreover, the disturbance does not only affect humans. The RSPCA reports that 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks, causing distress to these animals and their owners (2).

The solution? Banning all non-silent fireworks.

Noiseless fireworks, which still provide the beautiful visual display but without the loud bangs, present a viable alternative. Switching to these would spare countless families like mine from unnecessary anxiety and discomfort.

By signing this petition, you'll be helping to transform our neighborhood into a quieter, more peaceful environment for everyone, especially for those with sound sensitivities like my son. We urge you to support this cause. Thank you.

Sources:
1. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders journal
2. RSPCA.