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Children with autism and disabilities often face unique challenges when it comes to safety, particularly due to the risk of elopement. Elopement, or wandering away from safe environments, can occur for various reasons, including executive functioning differences, social skill variations and sensory sensitivities. For non-speaking children, the inability to communicate their need for help further compounds the danger.
To address these concerns, here are six crucial strategies to enhance safety for children with autism and disabilities.
1. Identify and address elopement triggers
Understanding what prompts elopement is crucial. Many children with autism have sensory processing differences that can lead to overwhelming experiences. Observe your child’s environment and behavior patterns to identify potential triggers. Work with your child to modify their surroundings or provide appropriate sensory regulation tools. For children who find running calming, consider regular visits to a gym, school track, or create a backyard obstacle course to satisfy this need safely.
2. Enhance communication and identification
Teach your child essential contact information, including their address, your phone number, and how to dial 9-1-1. For non-speaking children, provide identification bracelets with their name and your contact details. Choose identification bracelets designed for young children that are difficult to remove and can include autism or medical information. Consider fabric options for children who may be sensitive to traditional ID bracelets.
3. Implement home safety measures
Install alarms on doors and windows to alert you when they’re opened. Visual cues, such as stop signs near exits, can serve as reminders for children not to leave. While considering additional security measures like window locks or keypad locks, consult with local fire departments to ensure these don’t compromise emergency safety.
4. Prioritize water safety
Given the attraction many children with autism have to water, swimming lessons are crucial. Seek out specialized programs that cater to children with autism and disabilities, such as Swim Possible, Clownfish Swim Club, Mr. Blake’s Swim Academy, or Swim 4 Life Swimming Schools. These organizations offer adapted, personalized approaches to teaching water safety.
5. Utilize technology for tracking
Consider equipping your child with a GPS-enabled smartwatch. This technology allows you to locate your child quickly if they wander off and provides a means of communication through calls or texts. Alternatively, AirTags attached to keys or incorporated into watchbands can serve as tracking devices.
6. Prepare for community activities
Attending community events requires careful planning. Research venues in advance, looking for “Know Before You Go” information and accessibility accommodations. You can also develop an individualized plan with your clinical team to navigate these activities safely. Consider bringing sensory tools and implement a buddy system to ensure constant supervision.
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