Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Safety Is an Issue for Autistic ChildrenTips to Lower Safety Risks for Autistic KidsTop Safety Products to Protect Autistic Kids
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Safety Is an Issue for Autistic Children
Tips to Lower Safety Risks for Autistic Kids
Top Safety Products to Protect Autistic Kids
Every parent worries about their child’s safety. Caregivers ofautistic childrenoften worry more, and for good reason. Autistic children are both more vulnerable and more likely to place themselves in harm’s way thanneurotypicalkids (kids who are developing as expected at the same age).
Fortunately, there are a number of steps their parents and guardians can take to avoid risk and make it easier to address safety issues when they do come up.
Hero Images / Getty Images
With autism can come a number of different safety risks, and a child withlower support needsisn’t necessarily safer. Here are some of the autismparenting concernsto keep in mind, depending upon a child’s age, needed level of support, personality, and behaviors.
Autistic Adults May Face Many Challenges
Once you’ve put all these measures in place, you may want to consider additional products that can help protect your child.
Locks and Latches
If your autistic child is capable of opening a bolt, opening a lock, and you’ve tried both raising the locks and hiding the keys, now is the time to get creative. Two innovative locking devices come with high ratings:
If you are really worried about losing track of your child when you’re out in public in a new location, consider using a toddler “leash” or just holding hands to avoid the possibility of a disaster.
Alarms
If your child is likely to wander into unsafe areas of the house or out the door, alarms can be a great way to signal danger. There is a wide range of options, including simple bells that ring when a door is opened and electronic alarms that use motion sensors:
Tracking Devices
Some autistic people elope, no matter how carefully parents and caregivers manage the environment. When that happens, safety depends on your ability to quickly and accurately track and find your loved one. Fortunately, there is a wide range of GPS tracking devices on the market at different price points. Be sure you choose one that will not be removed (ordinary wristbands, for example, may not be a good choice).
ID Bracelets and Cards
If your child does wander and you can’t locate them immediately, bracelets and ID cards can help others to help you.
Give your child plenty of practice in being found, too. Most autistic children are more comfortable with people and activities they know well. If your child has an ID bracelet, have them practice showing the bracelet to neighbors and family members.
Introduce your child to police officers and other first responders. Teach your child basic phrases (“I’m lost,” for example) or have them practice showing a personal ID card to a stranger.
Connecting With Others to Keep Autistic Kids SafeNaturally, no one can watch their child 24/7, but here are a few tips for avoiding emergencies:If you are outside of your safety zone (home or school, for most people), be sure one person is assigned the job of keeping an eye on your autistic child. Beaches, amusement parks, and parking lots are all particularly dangerous.Don’t allow embarrassment to put your child in jeopardy. Yes, it feels weird to set up an alarm outside your child’s room when you’re visiting family—but if the alternative is a lost child, you may need to swallow your pride.Talk to your neighbors. The more your neighbors know about your child the better they’ll understand them, and the more comfortable they’ll feel giving you a call if they notice your child out and about at an odd time of day. Neighbors can also be enlisted, if your child goes missing.
Connecting With Others to Keep Autistic Kids Safe
Naturally, no one can watch their child 24/7, but here are a few tips for avoiding emergencies:If you are outside of your safety zone (home or school, for most people), be sure one person is assigned the job of keeping an eye on your autistic child. Beaches, amusement parks, and parking lots are all particularly dangerous.Don’t allow embarrassment to put your child in jeopardy. Yes, it feels weird to set up an alarm outside your child’s room when you’re visiting family—but if the alternative is a lost child, you may need to swallow your pride.Talk to your neighbors. The more your neighbors know about your child the better they’ll understand them, and the more comfortable they’ll feel giving you a call if they notice your child out and about at an odd time of day. Neighbors can also be enlisted, if your child goes missing.
Naturally, no one can watch their child 24/7, but here are a few tips for avoiding emergencies:
Summary
If your autistic child wanders, isnonverbal, or is likely to engage in dangerous or inappropriate behavior, then you can try tools designed to help you manage your child’s environment and keep a vigilant watch. Devices, locks, alarms, or systems can be used to protect your child.
SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Anderson C, Law JK, Daniels A, et al.Occurrence and Family Impact of Elopement in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.Pediatrics.2012;130(5):870-877. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-0762
Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Anderson C, Law JK, Daniels A, et al.Occurrence and Family Impact of Elopement in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.Pediatrics.2012;130(5):870-877. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-0762
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Anderson C, Law JK, Daniels A, et al.Occurrence and Family Impact of Elopement in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.Pediatrics.2012;130(5):870-877. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-0762
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
