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Autism Safety

The latest newsletter from the Federation for Children with Special Needs, a Boston-based non-profit organization that provides support and information for parents of disabled kids, has an article with safety tips to help parents of children on the autism spectrum. (See page 14 for the article written by Karen Douglass, mother of a five-year-old boy with autism.)

The tips complement this two-page handout produced by Dennis Debbaudt, a Florida parent who has become an advocate and safety expert for people with autism and runs Autism Risk & Safety Management, which produces training videos for public safety agencies and educators. Debbault's materials are written with both children and adults in mind.

The tips range from simple steps to those that require some shoe leather and homework. As with any contingency planning exercise, some of the steps are sobering. They include:

• Program an "ICE" telephone number into your mobile phone contact list. ICE stands for "in case of emergency" who should be called. This is a good idea for everyone, but as Douglass points out, it's vital in an emergency if you become incapacitated while with your autistic child.
• Childproof your routes of exit. Families with young children on the autism spectrum should consider putting door latches out of reach. Douglass notes that her family also installed an alarm system that sounds if a door is opened, so her son won't leave the house unnoticed.
• Prepare an information sheet about your child to share with public safety officials. Debbaudt's handout has a suggested list of details to include that go beyond name, physical description and photograph: all telephone numbers for parents and caregivers; atypical behaviors the child may do that will attract attention; favorite locations to visit; likes and dislikes when it comes to approaching the person; and method of communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Debbaudt also recommends preparing a map of dangerous locations near your home, including bodies of water.
• Get to know the local police and fire department. If your child's wandering off is a concern, Debbaudt recommends contacting police, fire and ambulance services with this information, so they can flag it in their emergency response database. "When we provide law enforcement with key information before an incident occurs," he writes, "we can expect better responses." Visit the police and fire stations and emergency medical technician (EMT) station.
• The advice extends to traffic safety. Douglass' town agreed to install signs at both ends of her street, alerting motorists to the fact that a special needs child lives in the neighborhood. She advocates that other parents do the same in their communities.
• Get to know your neighbors. It's important for parents to do their best to educate neighbors and friends about their children. "If the neighbors know about the child's special needs, they are much more likely to act quickly if they see a child outside alone or in unsafe situations," Douglass says.

Autism Safety Toolkit
Autism presents a unique set of safety concerns for parents.
Unlocking Autism and National Autism Association
have teamed up to provide the following safety information for parents. If you have suggestions or additions that you would like to submit for this page, please email nancale@aol.com.
In a recent online survey conducted by NAA, an incredible 92% of the respondents said their autistic child was at risk of wandering. This is a problem that must be addressed in every city and town across America. Please review the following information and contact your local first responders to get a plan in place for your child and others who may be at risk in your community.

Are You Prepared for an Autism Emergency?

To ensure safety and lower risk for a child or adult with autism, parents and care providers will need to become proactive and prepare an informational handout.

A leading cause for concern are children and adults who run away or wander from parents and care providers. Tragically, children and adults with autism are often attracted to water sources such as pools, ponds, and lakes. Drowning is a leading cause of death for a child or adult who has autism.

Wandering can occur anywhere at anytime. The first time is often the worst time. Another concern is preparation in the event that you become incapacitated or injured while caring for a person with autism at home or in the community.

An informational handout should be developed, copied and carried with you at all times--at home, in your car, purse or wallet. Also circulate this handout to family members, trusted neighbors, friends and co-workers. The handout will also come in handy if you are in an area other than your neighborhood and are approached by the police.

If wandering is a concern, contact law enforcement, fire and ambulance agencies. Ask your local 911 call center to "red flag" this information in their 911 computer data base. Dispatchers can alert patrol officers about your concerns before they arrive. When we provide law enforcement with key information before an incident occurs, we can expect better responses.

Alert your neighbors
The behaviors and characteristics of autism have the potential to attract attention from the public. Law enforcement professionals suggest that you reach out and get to know your neighbors.
·         Decide what information to present to neighbors
·         Does your child have a fear of cars and animals or is he drawn to them?
·         Is your child a wanderer or runner?
·         Does he respond to his name or would a stranger think he is deaf?
·         Plan a brief visit to your neighbors
·         Introduce your child or adult or provide a photograph
·         If a neighbor spots your child outside of your yard, what is the best way for them to get your child back to you?
·         Are there sensory issues your neighbors should know about?
·         Give your neighbor a simple handout with your name, address, and phone number. Ask them to call you immediately if they see your son or daughter outside the home. This approach may be a good way to avoid problems down the road and will let your neighbors know the reason for unusual behaviors
know that you are approachable, and have the opportunity to call you before they call 911.

Knowing your neighbors can lead to better social interactions for your loved ones with autism.

Prevention
If wandering is an issue for your family, consider contacting a professional locksmith, security company or home improvement professional.

Autism Emergency Contact Handout Model
Name of child or adult
Current photograph and physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color, any scars or other identifying marks
Identify your child's favorite song, toy or character
Names, home, cell and pager phone numbers and addresses of parents, other caregivers and emergency contact persons
Sensory, medical, or dietary issues and requirements, if any
Inclination for elopement and any atypical behaviors or characteristics that may attract attention
Favorite attractions and locations where person may be found
Likes, dislikes--approach and de-escalation techniques
A list of things that frighten your child
Method of communication, if non-verbal ‐ sign language, picture boards, written word
ID wear ‐ jewelry, tags on clothes, printed handout card
Map and address guide to nearby properties with water sources and dangerous locations highlighted
Blueprint or drawing of home, with bedrooms of individual highlighted

For more information, visit http://www.autismriskmanagement.com/ - by Dennis Debbaudt

Provide local first responders with information on your child.