FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY®

Autism Safety Suggestions For Parents

by FAU CARD | Friday, Aug 18, 2023

  1. safety and autismInform the School: Inform your child's school about potential safety risks and ask that these risks be acknowledged in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

  2. Immediate 911 Notification: Request immediate notification to 911 if your child goes missing or elopes. Have a clear plan in place for such situations.

  3. Elopement Code and Plan: Ask the school to implement an elopement code along with a well-defined plan to address elopement risks.

  4. No Personal Electronics Policy: Advocate for a no personal electronics policy in your child's classroom to minimize distractions and ensure proper supervision.

  5. Safety Goals in IEP: Include safety goals in your child's IEP that focus on reducing risks associated with their specific needs.

  6. Swimming Instruction: Ensure your child receives swimming instruction and practice opportunities to enhance water safety skills.

  7. Home Property Safety: Evaluate your property for potential risks and set up barriers to prevent access to water bodies or risky areas.

  8. Pool Safety Check: If you have a pool, check for proper drain covers and ensure other safety measures are in place.

  9. First Aid and CPR Training: Obtain training in first aid, CPR, and water safety from organizations like the Red Cross.

  10. Vehicle Safety: Always secure your child in an appropriate car seat, booster, or seatbelt based on their age and weight.

  11. Helmet Use: Ensure helmet use when biking or skateboarding to prevent head injuries.

  12. Home Fire Safety: Install working fire and smoke alarms and conduct home fire drills regularly.

  13. School Fire Drills: Encourage additional fire drills at school for your child's class to ensure safety both at home and at school.

  14. Learn from Close Calls: Analyze any close-call incidents to identify root causes and eliminate them to prevent future occurrences.

  15. Electronic Tracking: Consider electronic tracking devices like Project Lifesaver and enhance home security systems to prevent elopement.

  16. Secure Medications: Ensure medications in your home and any visited locations are secured and out of reach.

  17. Restricted Areas: Designate certain areas like the kitchen, laundry, and garage as no-go zones for younger children.

  18. Family Emergency Plan: Develop and practice an emergency plan with family members and caregivers.

  19. Model Safety Behavior: Set an example by practicing good safety behaviors for all your children.

  20. Prioritize Safety: Make safety a top priority for every member of your family and ensure everyone is actively engaged in maintaining a safe environment.

By implementing these measures and fostering a culture of safety, you can create a secure environment for children with special needs at home, school, and other settings.

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