With the rate of autism diagnoses increasing in recent years, it’s not surprising that more and more parents are looking for ways to help their children. In fact, a safe product is one currently on the market with an eye-catching lack of safety claims: The Omni Suit. This suit was designed by autistic adults who wanted something kinder than traditional school uniforms, but also able to keep kids protected from injury.
The “free autism safety kit” is a must-have for parents of children with autism. The kit includes items such as a free pack of cards, a free book, and a free DVD.
Keep an eye on your kid at all times, and your youngster’s concerns of danger may dissipate. But it’s hard to keep an eye on a kid with autism 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You also have to eat, prepare meals, work, shop, sleep, and relax.
Autism safety goods may help you relax. Tools may be able to prevent an issue from arising, and if the worst occurs, additional tools may be able to assist you.
Here are 11 autism safety gadgets that experts recommend for parents who want to keep their children safe.
Tools for Preventing Wandering
Autism causes people to wander, and scientists believe neglect isn’t a factor. Parents do all they can to keep an eye on their children, but even a split second of inattention may result in a youngster running out the door and into danger.
These resources may be useful in addressing wandering concerns:
1. National Autism Organization’s Big Red Safety Box: This free resource includes checklists, emergency plans, paperwork, door alarms, ID badges, and more. This is an excellent investment for kids of all ages.
2. Window locks: Children with fast fingers and strong arm muscles will have little trouble slipping out the door. This tool joins the window to the frame, preventing complete opening.
Each lock costs around $20. You’ll need one for each window in your house. Younger children may not be able to find out how to deactivate the tool as fast as older ones.
3. Door locks: Sliding doors are particularly hazardous to little children. They glide open without making a sound, and they usually lead to dangerous backyards, patios, pools, and other areas.
Locks prevent speedy access and are set high above the ground, out of reach of little children’s fingers. Each lock costs around $25.
Safety Products for Travel
Six out of ten Americans took a vacation in 2017. Many families affected by autism love taking extended vacations away from home to unwind and reconnect. Every family must leave the home for appointments, shopping excursions, and other activities.
Every time you leave your house, you have the option to roam. When you’ve been apart, it might be difficult to reconnect. Use the following resources:
4. Seatbelt guards: These devices slip over seatbelts, blocking access to the button for little fingers and thumbs. They’re straightforward to put on, but they’re as simple to take off for adults and neurotypical people.
Young children will be unable to remove these tools, but older children may be able to learn how to do so by watching their parents. For under $20, you can get two.
5. Safety harnesses: It’s not always possible or desirable to hold your child’s hand. Some youngsters are averse to being touched, and parents often require both hands to handle equipment and materials. Harnesses use a secure rope to link parents and children.
Choose the right size for your kid and the length of lead you want, and you’re ready to go for a safe stroll. Prices start at $30, but depending on the size, they may go up to $100.
Identifying Instruments
Nonverbal children make up to a third of autistic children. They can’t beg for aid to return back home if they run away from their parents. Questions concerning their identity, such as their name, phone number, or address, will be ignored.
Identifying Instruments ensure that your child can get back home to you, even if the child never says a word. Options include the following:
6. Tattoo identification: Ensure that you are the first to know when your lost child is found. Use temporary Identifying Instruments, like these write-on identification stickers, to keep your child’s information up-to-date.
These items are aimed towards young children. A pack of six will set you back about $10.
7. Alert Me Bands: These sturdy fabric bands have your name, phone number, and other information about your kid on them. They are bright and vivid, making them easy to notice for onlookers. Parents can swiftly put them on, but small fingers find it difficult to remove the bands.
These items are best for little infants, although older children who pledge not to take them off may benefit from them. Expect to spend about $25 for each band.
8. High-tech bracelets: To stay connected, combine a visual bracelet with technology. Strangers won’t be able to read the information, so you’re protected from prying eyes. QR codes on bracelets direct finders to a specific web page with your contact details. Each time the web page is browsed, you’ll be alerted with a location.
New bracelets are not currently available, but they should be available shortly.
Tips for Swimming Pool Safety
When compared to ordinary children, children with autism are at a higher risk of drowning. Water fascinates them, and they may lack the physical power to get themselves out of the water if they fall in. The easiest approach to avoid these problems is to keep an eye on your kid whenever he or she is near water.
Alarms for swimming pools abound. Here are a few solid choices:
9. Poolguard Outdoor Pool Gate Alarm: Install this alarm on the pool’s perimeter gate. The alarm sounds if the gate is left open for more than a few seconds. Because you must disable the alert by pressing a button on the sensor, you must visually inspect the source.
Young children may not be able to figure this out as soon as older youngsters. Expect to spend at least $65.
Use the Poolguard Safety Buoy to detect movement inside a small pool or spa. If you keep the sensor close to you, you’ll always be prepared to intervene if your youngster is in danger. This tool is appropriate for kids of all ages.
11. Above-Ground Pool Alarm: This device is for above-ground pools, and it does not need digging a hole to operate. To hear the alarm, you must be near the pool, but it is extremely loud and effective. The gadget will set you back about $80.
Make Your Own First Aid Kit
To keep their children safe, most families use various tools. Door and pool alarms, for example, may be beneficial. To keep your children safe, don’t be scared to mix and match.
For additional information, speak with your child’s therapists. Your child’s physician or therapist may be able to provide advice on typical problems. You and your child’s therapist may be able to stroll around your house together to find risks you’ve overlooked in the past.
Inquire about the opinions of any other professionals who work with your kid. Your kid’s safety is vital, so get as much advice as possible from specialists who are familiar with your child.
References
Autism Wandering is Common and Scary, according to a new study. (2018, August). Autism Speaks is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about
Information on Wandering with a Disability and Safety (Elopement). The CDC stands for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Individuals with Autism and the Problem of Wandering The Autism Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual Disability are more likely to wander (July 2017). The Journal of Pediatrics is a publication dedicated to the study of children’s health.
The Big Red Safety Box of the NAA. The National Autism Association (NAA) is a non-profit organization
The Autism Community Store has a Window Guardian Lock.
Patio Door Protector. Store for the Autism Community.
In 2017, six out of ten Americans took a vacation. (January of this year). Gallup.
Tethers and safety harnesses Elaine’s Children’s Harnesses
SafetyTat, SafetyTat, SafetyTat, SafetyTat, SafetyTat, SafetyTat
Statistics & Facts about Autism. Autism Speaks is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about
Home. Bands, please alert me.
Home. IDs that will keep me safe.
Drowning Prevention and Autism: A Special Focus on Pool Safety (August 2019). Safely swim in the pool.
The 8 Best Pool Alarms to Protect Your Family (Updated September 2017). University of Swimming is a place where you may learn to swim
The “free autism id bracelet” is a must-have safety product for autistic children. It helps them to identify themselves and their caregivers when they are out in public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Tags
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Janice is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Special Education. She also holds a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from Queen’s University, Belfast. She has worked with and case managed children and youth with autism and other intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in home and residential setting since 2013.
