Throughout the country children and adults on the autism spectrum are living, going to school, working and enjoying recreational activities in their communities. Safety and security is always a concern. The Autism Society provides much-needed resources to the autism community on topics such as general safety, emergency preparedness and prevention, and risk management. The Autism Society also provides information and training to various first responders—those who are first on the scene in an emergency situation.
You should also be prepared for the unlikely event that an emergency situation arises at home or in the community. Emergency responders, babysitters, other family members and caregivers should have ready access to essential information. The Autism Society offers a Personal Information Record along with an Emergency Decal can be placed on your door or automobile window to alert First Responders. The Personal Information Record can be posted in your home, kept in the car, carried in a purse or wallet, distributed to family members, trusted neighbors, friends, school personnel, employers, and coworkers or can be presented to police or paramedics in an emergency situation.
Parents of children who wander, often contact law enforcement, fire and ambulance agencies and ask local 911-call centers to “red flag” information about the individual with autism in the database so that dispatchers can alert first responders before they arrive. You may also ask if they can keep a current photograph on file. Introduce the person with ASD to embers of the community so that they are recognized. If wandering is an issue, make neighbors aware so an alarm is raised if the individual is seen unaccompanied.
Last, but not least… get to know your neighbors. This may foster favorable social interactions in case of emergency. Make sure neighbors and all care providers are well educated about autism, potential risks, unique circumstances, and what to do in case of an emergency situation. Make sure they have contact information and know how to reach you and ask that they notify you immediately if they have any concerns or if they observe anything out of the ordinary.
Please visit the Autism Society’s Safe and Sound webpages for additional information and strategies that will be valuable to individuals on the autism spectrum, their families and friends, and the professionals who work with them. Safe and Sound helps parents and professionals identify potential public safety or criminal/juvenile justice situations and provide possible solutions so that individuals with autism and those who care for them can be prepared for, stay safe during and avoid these situations.
Last updated: 22 December 2008
Safety in the Home
