Children with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions like Asperger's syndrome are often at heightened risk of injury. A recent study found that individuals with autism were nearly 20 times more likely to have a traumatic brain injury, compared to the general population.
Read this blog article for helpful tips to make sure your child with autism spectrum disorder is safe while out of the home.
Places that are easy to get lost
There are some places that are easy for children with autism to become lost. These include large shopping centers, amusement parks and festivals. It is important to be aware of these places and take precautions to prevent your child from getting lost.
Tips to prevent your child with autism from becoming lost
- Keep them close by at all times
- Teach them to identify landmarks and safe places
- Have a plan in place in case they do get lost
- Have your child wear a bracelet or necklace with your contact information on it in case they do get separated
By taking these precautions, you can help to keep your child with autism stay safe.
What to do when a child wanders away
- If your child with autism wanders away from you, the first thing you should do is stay calm. It can be very frightening when a child goes missing, but it’s important to stay calm and think clearly.
- The next thing you should do is start looking for your child. Check all the places they might go or hide. Ask people nearby if they’ve seen your child.
- If you can’t find your child, the next step is to call 911. Describe your child to the dispatcher and give them your location.
- Once the police arrive, they will begin searching for your child. They may also put out a bulletin on local radio and TV stations asking for help locating the child.
- Finally, don’t give up hope. Keep looking for your child until he is found.
Disabilities and safety
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to safety and autism. First, children with autism may not be aware of the dangers around them. They may not understand what traffic or other hazards are. It’s important to teach children safety lessons before they go out on their own.
Children with autism may not be able to communicate if they’re in danger. They may not be able to tell you if something is wrong. It’s important to have a plan in place for communication before you go out.
Children with autism may also have a hard time understanding and following rules. This can make it difficult for them to stay safe. It’s important to review safety rules with your child before they go out.
Overall, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to safety and autism. By teaching your child about safety, communicating with them, and reviewing safety rules you can help keep them stay safe.
Different ways of coping with meltdowns
Children with autism can have meltdowns when they are overwhelmed by their surroundings. Meltdowns can be verbal or physical, and they can be a way for the child to release their frustration.
There are several things that parents can do to help their child deal with meltdowns. First, it is important to try to identify the triggers for the meltdown. Once you know what causes the meltdown, you can try to avoid those triggers or prepare your child for them in advance.
It is also important to have a plan for how to deal with a meltdown when it happens. This plan should include a safe place for the child to go, such as a quiet room where they can calm down. It is also important to have someone who can stay with the child and help them through the meltdown.
Finally, it is important to talk to your child about their meltdowns. This can help them to understand why they happen and how to cope with them. It is also important to let your child know that you are there for them and that you will help them through their challenges.
Ways to protect your child from violence and abuse
There are several ways you can help protect your child with autism from violence and abuse. First, it is important to teach your child about personal boundaries and what is appropriate touching. You should also have a discussion with your child about what to do if someone tries to violate their personal boundaries. It is also a good idea to educate about safe people and places. Let them know that there are people and places they can go to if they feel unsafe. Finally, make sure your child has a way to communicate with you at all times. This could be a phone, pager or some other form of communication.
Key takeaway
There are many ways to keep your child with autism safe when out and about. Here are some key points to remember:
- First, always have a plan and know where your child is at all times. It’s important to be aware of her/his surroundings and what she/he is doing.
- Second, make sure your child is wearing bright, easily visible clothing. This will help people see them if they wander off.
- Third, teach your child basic safety rules, such as not talking to strangers or going off with them.
- Fourth, if you can, get an ID bracelet or necklace for your child that has your contact information on it. That way, if they do wander off, someone can find you quickly.
By following these tips, you can help keep your child with autism stay safe. If you are looking to support people living with disabilities and the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who care for them, visit the 1CFS shop and buy one or more of our cool 1CFS T-shirts. They go a long way to spread the word and ultimately support people living with developmental disabilities.
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How to encourage safety
Kids with autism should be encouraged to be safe. Their awareness can be raised by talking about the different situations they might face, as well as how best to stay safe in those situations. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
It is important to make sure that your child always has a form of ID on them. This could be a bracelet with their name and contact information, or a card they can carry in their pocket.
Secondly, it is important to teach your child what to do if he gets lost. Children should know how to find a police officer or other adult who can help them.
Finally, it is important to have a plan in place for what the child should do if he encounters someone who is behaving inappropriately towards them.
Teaching your child these things will help him stay safe.