Autism Safety
I want my son to increase his fine motor skills. I do not, however, want him to be able to unbuckle a seatbelt. When your disabled child acquires a new skill, sometimes it is a mixed blessing. Particularly if that new skill puts them in danger. They now have the fine motor skills to open a seat belt (yay!) but do not have the desire or behavioral skills to leave the seat belt on when the car is moving.
So what do you do?
As my friend Judi often says, you either teach the skill or accommodate the lack of skill.
In this case, I am making accommodations.
When Kevin was a baby, he didn’t have a natural curiosity that many babies and toddlers have. Or, he may have had the curiosity but not the motor planning skills to make it happen. We never had to even baby proof the house. My how times change!
Autism Safety and Emergency Plans
Several years ago, I was a Fellow for Save the Children. My role with them was to inform and encourage disability families to create an Emergency Plan. I don’t know why it hasn’t caught on, but it hasn’t. Still, I continue to education (read: nag!) parents about this.
We all worry about how to keep our kids safe. But when they have autism, are non-verbal or rely on others for mobility, our fears are exacerbated. Parents of disabled children need to develop safety plans, with much more urgency than our non-disabled peers. These plans should be based on how well your child can communicate, health needs, and sensory issues.
Having a family emergency plan is critical! It can help you to find your child if he/she goes missing. An emergency plan also serves to reunite you with your child in the event of a natural disaster or school shooting. The first step in your plan should be increasing awareness both in your child and the community. If your child is not verbal or would have trouble telling others that he or she is lost, a bracelet or other product can give adults helpful information. f your child is an eloper, make sure that all family, caregivers, and school staff know this. Talk with your neighbors and local police about your child’s tendency to wander and make sure that they have up to date information. Here in PA, we have the Premise Alert System (started by my friend Susan!). Many of our police departments recognize this, but it’s a great form to take to your local police and fire stations, even if you’re not in PA.
Teaching Autism Safety Skills
Have regular and frequent safety talks with your child. Many children with autism learn from repetition, so repeating rules and procedures may work for you. It’s important to be aware of comorbid conditions, so that information is presented in a way that doesn’t exacerbate conditions like anxiety.
Parents should do this on their own, and no rely on a school to make this happen. There are just too many issues with IEP non-compliance, and safety is too important of an issue. If your child is in a Life Skills Program or another non-traditional curriculum, it may be easier to get this added to the IEP. Regardless, parents should make sure that this happens and the only way to ensure that is if we do it.
I don’t know of any specialist or expert who does evaluations in this area. I think it’s going to all be on Mom and Dad. But you want to make sure that your child is safe in your car and on their ride to/from school. My bus company had to purchase a special seat for Kevin. And I know that they purchased a harness for another child. Like anything else, if you want it in your IEP, follow the process. Note it in parent concerns, discuss it at the IEP meeting, and then get it on a PWN.
Autism Car and Seatbelt Safety
Your child’s needs will determine what you purchase. Research what you can online. Ask your local police department or transportation department. You can find just about everything. There are seatbelt covers, stickers and decals for cars, harnesses, seat belt buckle covers and other products that disable door handles. You can also call the customer service number of your car manufacturer and ask if they have something.
Seat Belt Locking Clips
These are a necessity for a lot of kids. For some, just putting a lock over the seatbelt buckle will do the trick. But, some kids have the dexterity to get them open. In which case, you may want to try a harness that fastens in the back.
Make sure you practice using it. In the event of an emergency, you want to be able to release it quickly. Still, I believe most police officers and EMTs will tell you that a seatbelt is much more important than the risk of not being able to unbuckle it quickly.
Free Autism Safety Kit
Hopefully what I’ve shown you here will get you started on getting what you need. Thankfully most of these products are inexpensive. I know that the NAA offers a free kit for home safety, but I was unable to find a grant or free program for car safety.
Autism Safety Products
Have regular and frequent safety talks with your child. Many children with autism learn from repetition, so repeating rules, expectations, and plans can be beneficial. When you teach safety rules, make sure to list where to use the rules, such as school, the park, or a store. If your child likes to wander or likes to play in water, make sure to spend extra time talking about those safety rules.
Having a plan can help you to find your child if he or she is missing. The first step in your plan should be increasing awareness both in your child and those around him or her.
Have your child practice what to do if he or she is lost. If your child is not verbal or would have trouble telling others that he or she is lost, a bracelet or other product can give responders helpful information. Make sure your child practices how to show the product.
If your child tends to wander away, make sure that all family, caretakers, and school staff know of this pattern. Give them a plastic-coated card with your child’s name, current picture, diagnosis, emergency contact numbers, and what your child does and does not respond well to. Also talk to your neighbors and local police about your child’s tendency to wander and give them the same up-to-date information. Most police stations have systems, such as the PREMISE Alert System, where you can submit a file for your child with special needs and include important information for responders.
Water is another top safety concern. Check all gates, pool covers, toilet locks, and any other safety devices, especially if your child is drawn to water. When your child can start swimming lessons varies, but being able to swim independently is only one benefit of lessons. Children also learn basic water safety rules through early childhood swim programs. Many programs offer adaptive swim lessons for children with autism. These programs are a great way for your child to learn about water safely and comfortably.
Keep in mind that this list is their top sellers. This is also ‘bot-generated’ and updated based upon sales, not my personal opinion of the product.
- 2 SHAPES - ROUND & SQUARE: Each set has 2 Push Pop Bubble Sensory Fidget Toys. One is Circle Shape and the other is Square. You can choose the one you like and enjoy the game
- SAFE MATERIAL WITH GREAT DURABILITY: Made of non-toxic and environmental-friendly Silicone, our Push Pop Bubble Sensory Fidget Toys are safe and durable. You can give your kids to play and you don't have to worry about the safety
- HOW TO PLAY: Press the pop-up bubbles in a line and the one who press the last one bubble will lose. Or just bend it, squish it and squeeze it! Help you or your children reduce anxiety and pressure, and build emotional stability
- USE THEM IN MANY WAYS: They are not only be used as toys, but also can be used as a fly pan for your pets, a place mat or a coaster. They are very easy to be cleaned and are dishwasher safe
- GREAT GIFT FOR STRESS RELIEF: This Set can be a great gift for your friends or your kids for stress relief. If you have any questions about the product, you are supported by our great after-sale support
- 【Relieve Stress Gifts】This silicone squeeze toy helps relieve stress, anxiety and restore your mood.This is a great, unique and novel gift for people with autism and stress, helping them relieve from anxiety.
- 【Durable & Safe】Push pop bubble toy is made of food grade silicone,non-toxic.You don’t have to worry about your child’s safety.It is durable enough for continued use and washing.
- 【Game Rules】Just press the bubble, it will make a slight popping sound, players take turns pressing down any number of mice they wish in a single row. The player who presses down the last one will lose. Then flip them and start again. You can play with your kids and find the happiness!
- 【Suitable for All Ages】The pop pop fidget toy not only can reduce stress, but also can be used as a small game for parties and friends. Perfect carry-on game for parents, elderly, children, and adults to play.Have fun anywhere anytime!
- 【100% Satisfaction】We are committed to bringing better quality and service to customers! If you still have questions after your purchase, please contact us by e-mail. we will help you to solve problems within 24 hours.
- PARENTAL PEACE OF MIND: Let your child explore the environment safely as it always stays connected to you with our Anti-Lost Leash. The shrinking chain is made out of Stainless Steel and PU cover and it’s very difficult to break or even cut by knife. Enjoy peace of mind on any trip, vacation and walk outside in public and crowded environments like supermarkets and subways.
- NO WORRIES-MAXIMUM FUN: It’s never fun to constantly run after your ever-active little one and force them to stay put when they want to explore. With our wrist harness, you can let your children run free and follow their nature as you enjoy a reduced burden of worries. Connect our safety harness to your kid’s hands, backpack or belt with ease, and keep them safe!
- HIGHLY DURABLE & PRACTICAL: The advanced design of our Anti-Lost wrist links features specially designed straps for the parent and for kid respectively. The kid’s wrist link sports double stickers that make it ultra-difficult for them to take it off on their own, while the parent’s strap is of a larger size for maximum comfort while wearing it.
- SOFT & COMFORTABLE: Both our wrist links are made out of the highest quality materials and feature a comfortable wrist strap cloth with a soft sponge pad that feels silky smooth upon touch. That way it is ensured that both the parent’s and the kid’s skin are not hurt in any way and they remain ultra-comfortable to wear.
- 2 PACK UPGRADED VERSION LEASH KITS. Each units with UpGraded Safety Lock and each set with 1 pcs 4.9ft leash + 1 pcs 8.2ft leash.
- PREVENTS CHILDREN ESCAPING THEIR CAR SEAT – Safety Buckle Pro seatbelt cover for kids is the answer to a continuously increasing problem, toddlers unbuckling their car seat while you are driving
- PROUDLY DESIGNED IN THE USA – After a rigorous market research we carefully built Safety Buckle Pro seat belt guard with only a small slit and a finger stopper making it easy to install but impossible to unbuckle by kids whether with toys or other buckles
- UNIVERSAL FIT – Made from stronger and more durable ABS plastic material, works on all tested vehicles with standard seatbelts
- LOCKING CLIP - Get a car seat Locking Clip with every seatbelt cover kit, keeps the car seat tighter and more stable
- MULTIPURPOSE - Very helpful also when it comes to special needs children and older people, decreasing significantly the risk of unbuckle the seat belt
- Keep toddlers close to you and at the same time give them independence during indoor or outdoor activities.
- Easy to use: All you need to do is connect the wristbands to adult’s and kids’ hands respectively. The shrinking chain can extend up to 1.5 meters and the wrist strap circumference of kids hand side (the smaller side) can be adjusted up to 14 CM.
- Soft & Comfortable: soft double layers of hook and loop for kids’ hands, not easy to take off by themselves. The size of wrist strap can be adjusted according to your need, the soft sponge pad in the wrist strap make it comfortable to wear for both adult and kids.
- Durable: The connecting rope is made of stainless steel and wrapped with plastic, never worry this safety harness will be cut by knife. It is linked to the wrist straps with metal connectors that can freely rotate 360 degrees.
- Anti-lost: Only used to prevent children from losing when they go out, but do not prevent children from falling down and can’t be used as a walking training equipment. Suggest for children aged 4 and over.
- PLEASE MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF YOUR DOOR. Works on most hinged doors up to 1 3/8" thick, including interior and exterior doors, French doors and double doors. Works on doors with levers, knobs, and even large or uniquely shaped handles. Does NOT work on any type of sliding door on a track, such as bifold doors, pocket doors, sliding glass doors, or sliding decorative barn doors. Also does NOT work on metal door frames, patio screen doors, storm doors or double doors that swing BOTH ways.
- REQUIRES ONE SCREW (INCLUDED) TO BE DRILLED INTO YOUR DOOR FRAME. If you are installing on an exterior door that opens inward into your home, please note the screw will be drilled on the exterior/outside part of your door frame. The GlideLok has holes for the possible attachment of a hook or rod (NOT INCLUDED), which is helpful for especially tall doors / shorter adults. If you do not attach a rod, you must be able to reach the top of your door to slide the GlideLok back and forth.
- DURABLE METAL WON’T CRACK OR BEND LIKE CHEAP PLASTIC MODELS. GlideLok is the only top-of-door childproofing system of its kind made of high-quality painted metal, not flimsy plastic. So it will last you for years keeping toddlers from opening doors to unsafe areas in your home. The GlideLok makes your life easier and - most importantly - keeps your little ones safe.
- RESTS ON TOP OF THE DOOR SO KIDS CAN’T REACH IT. Unlike door knob covers or other door lever locks, the GlideLok sits on top of your door, so it’s completely out of reach and your child can’t dismantle it. It is also unobtrusive and blends in with your décor. Most people won’t even realize it’s there.
- ADULTS CAN CONVENIENTLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR FROM BOTH SIDES. Unlike other types of door lever handle locks, you will not get trapped in a room while your child wanders around the house alone. Adults can operate this lock from both sides of the door. Also, if you don’t need it locked for a period of time, simply leave the GlideLok disengaged and you won’t have to unlock every time.
- EASY HAIRCUTS: The gentle alternative to buzzing clippers for individuals with sensory sensitivity. PATENTED
- 17 PCS: (1) Scissor, (7) Combs, (2) Comb Organizers, (4) Finger Inserts, (1) Haircut Guide, (1) Cape (1) Storage Bag.
- CHOOSE YOUR LENGTH: Includes 7 combs for cut lengths from 1/2 inch to 1 inch. MADE IN USA of Domestic and Imported Parts.
- CUSTOMIZE THE FIT, Choose: SNUG, with soft gel finger inserts, MEDIUM with thin smooth inserts or LOOSE with no inserts.
- 2yr refund/lifetime guarantee. We serve Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Communities.
- Re-usable, 100% Polyester fabric, Perfect for daily wear or special outings
- Easy to install and operate - pool/gate/door alarm with remote
- Multi-purpose - magnetic contact door alarms/doorbell chime/door alarm for pool/fridge door alarm/prying door alarm
- Keep remote in sync - More than one remote sensors can be synchronized
- Magnetically triggered - alarm sounds when window or interior door is opened by kids & dementia patients
- Prevent any mishap - keep children away from cabinets, ground pool,alcohol. Monitoring wandering, sleepwalking, elderly themselves out of bed, avoid all kinds of dangers.
- LOUD ALARM: The 120 DB security alarm is perfect for signaling to you when there is an unwanted entry. Audible at over 750 feet it sounds loud so the person knows they should stop what they are doing. Great for prevention, protect your children’s rooms or stop anyone from sneaking out or in.
- WIRELESS ALARM SENSOR: No wiring is necessary and 3 LR44 batteries are included in each device and 3 extra backup batteries come with the package. Made to last 6 - 12 months these batteries in the alarms will be charged for extended periods of time. When it’s time to change, you’ll know. With the intuitive low battery indicator you can easily find out when you’ll have to change the batteries.
- EASY TO INSTALL: The wireless security alarms can be installed anywhere with an opening. Simply use the adhesive provided and tape it to wherever you need! Windows, doors, and entrances simple and straightforward with the alarm. The minimum distance for the device to work is 15mm (0.6 inches), so when installing make sure to get both pieces of the alarm as close as possible.
- SLEEK DESIGN FOR HOUSE- With an ultra slim build and sleek design these alarms can be put easily wherever you need them. Great for attaching to house doors, all types of apartments, and cabinet or office, put them where you see fit. They may be discreet and simple to install but don’t be deceived these alarms pack a punch, ready to deter any unwanted actions.
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: 2 * Alarms with tapes (Batteries included), 3 * LR44 Batteries (extra backup), 2 * Anti-noise Ear plugs, 1 * User manual.
- PLEASE MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF YOUR DOOR. Works on most hinged doors up to 1 3/8" thick, including interior and exterior doors, French doors and double doors. Works on doors with levers, knobs, and even large or uniquely shaped handles. Does NOT work on any type of sliding door on a track, such as bifold doors, pocket doors, sliding glass doors, or sliding decorative barn doors. Also does NOT work on metal door frames, patio screen doors, storm doors or double doors that swing BOTH ways.
- REQUIRES ONE SCREW (INCLUDED) TO BE DRILLED INTO YOUR DOOR FRAME. If you are installing on an exterior door that opens inward into your home, please note the screw will be drilled on the exterior/outside part of your door frame. The GlideLok has holes for the possible attachment of a hook or rod (NOT INCLUDED), which is helpful for especially tall doors / shorter adults. If you do not attach a rod, you must be able to reach the top of your door to slide the GlideLok back and forth.
- DURABLE METAL WON’T CRACK OR BEND LIKE CHEAP PLASTIC MODELS. GlideLok is the only top-of-door childproofing system of its kind made of high-quality painted metal, not flimsy plastic. So it will last you for years keeping toddlers from opening doors to unsafe areas in your home. The GlideLok makes your life easier and - most importantly - keeps your little ones safe.
- RESTS ON TOP OF THE DOOR SO KIDS CAN’T REACH IT. Unlike door knob covers or other door lever locks, the GlideLok sits on top of your door, so it’s completely out of reach and your child can’t dismantle it. It is also unobtrusive and blends in with your décor. Most people won’t even realize it’s there.
- ADULTS CAN CONVENIENTLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR FROM BOTH SIDES. Unlike other types of door lever handle locks, you will not get trapped in a room while your child wanders around the house alone. Adults can operate this lock from both sides of the door. Also, if you don’t need it locked for a period of time, simply leave the GlideLok disengaged and you won’t have to unlock every time.
- Heckenlively, Kent (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 464 Pages - 02/21/2017 (Publication Date) - Skyhorse (Publisher)
More Autism Safety Resources:
- A Guide to Safety, from the Organization for Autism Research
- CHOP Safety Center
- Safety in the Home, from the Autism Society of America
- Philadelphia Police Premise Disability Form
- Chester County Premise Online Form
- General Premise Alert Form, approved in PA
- Premise Alert Form, Spanish
- Vacation Premise Alert Form
- PA Premise Alert FAQ
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