Kids with autism have different needs than neurotypical children, and all parents of children with ASD want more ways to keep their children safe. How do parents keep their children with autism safe? The following blog is about five ways to keep your child safe.
How do you keep your child with autism safe?
The best way to ensure child safety is to prepare. If you know your child wanders, then learn their triggers. Use prevention strategies like securing potentially dangerous house appliances, and prioritize communication with your children.
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- Secure Electrical Outlets and Appliances
- Know Wandering Triggers
- Remember Fire Safety
- Set Expectations
- Prioritize Communication and Behavior Strategies
1) Secure Electrical Outlets and Appliances
Children can suffer some serious damage from an electric shock. That is why we recommend making it a point to cover electrical outlets. You can find plastic covers for electrical outlets at your local store.
It is also important to manage the cords you need to have plugged in so that they aren’t tugged on or played with. Because of the inquisitive nature of children with autism, it is important to make their environment safe for them to explore.
2) Know Wandering Triggers
Another common trait of a child with autism is they often wander or run. A study done in 2012 discovered that of the children studied, 49% of the children with ASD had attempted to wander at least once after the age of 4 years old. 26% of those children were gone long enough to cause concern, and 24% of the children were in danger of drowning. 65% of the wandering children were in danger of a traffic injury.
So what are parents of children with autism do to keep their children safe from wandering? One of the most effective ways to prevent your children from wandering off is to know your child’s wandering triggers. Oftentimes children want to run or bolt when they are in a stressful situation, or if they are curious about something of interest. Be sure to keep a close eye on them in these situations.
3) Remember Fire Safety
Fire safety is extremely important in any home with children, but it is especially important when your child has ASD. Practice fire safety with your child such as keeping lighters and matches locked out of their reach. It is also important to supervise your child any time there is an open flame where they are. Finally, ensure that your fire detectors are up to date.
4) Set Expectations
One of the most important safety measures you can take with your children is setting your expectations with them. Before going on an outing with your child, you should communicate what your plan is for this trip, how long you will be out, and how you expect them to behave on this trip. After you set these expectations do what you can to help your child meet them. Avoid known triggers, and consider noise-canceling headphones.
5) Prioritize Communication and Behavior Strategies
Finally, you should prioritize communication with your child. This ties into number four, but this is more concerning how your child communicates with you. ABA Therapy is a great way to prioritize your child’s communication and behavior strategies. Your ABA therapist will provide techniques for teaching your child how to communicate more effectively.
Bonus Tip: Consider Monitoring and Tracking Devices
After these five safety strategies, it might be time to consider some form of monitoring or tracking device. This is especially useful for children who cannot communicate. Even simply writing their name in their clothing or having a medical alert tag somewhere on their person. Even simply using the Life360 app if they have a phone.
Keep Your Child Safe
Keeping children safe is important to all of us. There are a lot of strategies for keeping your child safe, and it is up to you to figure out what works best for you. Each child is unique, so they require a unique approach.
Contact us for more information on safety measures!
