Diwali is a festival of pure magic: the warmth of the diyas, the stunning colours of the clothes, and the rich smell of spices and mithai. But in an autism household, that beautiful celebration often comes with an intensity that can feel overwhelming.
If your family is anything like ours, you know that Diwali isn't just bright - it's blindingly bright and painfully loud. While everyone else is revelling in the sound and fury, we're working hard to make sure our loved ones just get through the holiday.
The Auditory Overload Challenge
Forget cheerful crackles; the sound of Diwali is a full-scale, non-stop auditory assault. It's the relentless bombardment of firecrackers and rockets that feel less like celebration and more like a surprise attack, shattering any hope of calm. It's the cacophony of loud, excited chatter from a crowded room, where all the voices blend into a single, high-pitched static.
We tried something new this year and I wanted to share it with all my readers. Though we tried aromatherapy earlier, we experimented a little this year when I came across this amazing new find - empty nasal inhaler tunes ( Amazon India Link ). We added a few drops from our essential oil kit and we have a set of 15 inhalers now with different essential oils. It is fast acting as every deep inhale calms down the racing heart and overwhelmed brain and will hopefully help us survive this Diwali and the icing on the cake - we end up smelling great 😊
So, here's to all the families hiding in blanket forts, wearing their best noise-cancelling headphones, and taking necessary deep breaths. May your space feel safe, may your loved one feel peaceful, and may you find a little pocket of peace in the midst of the glorious Diwali chaos. Shubh Deepawali. May the true light of the festival shine gently on you!
