Navigating the Security Considerations of Kids with Autism
Guest contribution by Emily Ansell Elfer, BA (Hons), Dip.
Many children on the autism spectrum struggle with social boundaries, language, and communication, and tend to wander around. This can be very worrying given the potential dangers of the internet, busy roads, predators and much more.
Teaching safety skills to children with autism is highly recommended, but it can be challenging. Here are some of the key areas that you should cover, along with suggestions for addressing them.
Danger zones for young people with autism
Personal limits
It is important that children on the spectrum can identify when an interaction is inappropriate and that they feel able to let their guardians know. This includes being touched without consent, sending inappropriate pictures, or being asked to do anything that may feel sexually motivated. In addition, it is important that they recognize what is appropriate so that they do not inadvertently become an abuser themselves.
Water security
Water safety is an important issue as some children with autism have a tendency to wander around. Using electronic devices like tracking devices and water sensors can help a caregiver keep track of a child’s location, allowing quick action if something goes wrong.
hike
As mentioned earlier, some children with autism have a tendency to wander around or flee their homes, be supervised in public, or even leave their classrooms at school. To remedy this, it is helpful to have an emergency safety plan for family hiking.
Traffic safety
In addition to wandering around, some children with autism can be easily alerted or distracted. Coupled with any difficulties they may have with their external environment, there is a risk of traffic accidents. A road safety checklist is one way to keep it safe.
Fire protection
To prepare a child with autism for a fire emergency, it is recommended that autism carers:
- Develop an escape plan from the home and share it with the child – social stories are helpful.
- Have the phone number for the local fire department ready on the refrigerator, in the child’s communication device, and in your phone contacts.
- Visit the fire station, first alone and then with the child. Take photos of the firefighters in their protective gear. Take photos of the station, the fire fighting equipment and the emergency vehicles. All of this will help familiarize the child with the work of firefighters and their appearance.
Online Safety
Skills like avoiding leaking confidential information and avoiding becoming a victim of cyberbullying are essential in teaching children about online safety. It is also important to implement restrictions on Internet browsing on all digital devices.
Cell phones
Depending on the ages of those involved, whether or not a child has autism, sending inappropriate pictures may be considered a criminal offense. It is important to teach children what is appropriate to share once they are able to use a mobile phone.
Working with law enforcement agencies and first responders
To help with all of the above and other problem areas, security expert Lt. Joseph Pangaro Autism Carers to work with local law enforcement agencies.
Many of the confrontations that children with autism have with police officers are due to misinterpretations of the child’s actions. To raise awareness of autism-related behaviors, caregivers must interact with police officers and meet their child with law enforcement for the first time in a non-confrontational setting. For example, law enforcement could be invited to a school where they can meet children with autism, see their behavior, and familiarize the children with their uniforms.
Training programs within the police force are also the key to better understanding. These can be provided by local groups with links to the special needs community, parents, or security professionals.
“There are currently training programs for law enforcement officers on autism, and while it is not as widespread as it should be, these programs are increasing year on year,” says Lt. Pangaro. “Most police leaders want to serve their community as best they can – knowing what the community needs will help them choose training.”
Exchanging information about a child’s challenges with the fire department is also very helpful. When firefighters become more knowledgeable about autism, they can adjust their approach to the scene accordingly when they arrive.
Some things first responders can educate parents about include:
- Make sure you are calm (use a soft voice and short sentences) and keep in mind that a person may not immediately respond to questions.
- The person with autism can cover their ears. This can mean that they are overwhelmed.
- Avoid idioms, jokes, and sarcasm. These are not always understood.
- The person with autism can have a communication device. Perhaps the device has been programmed to ask for help, give its address or phone number, or say its name.
- Some people use pictures to communicate. Some can write whatever they want, sign it, or use a device. If necessary, look for alternative styles of communication.
- Keep the person’s surroundings as calm as possible to avoid breakdowns. (loud voices and bright lights can overstimulate)
- Keep dogs and service animals away as they may cause concern for the person.
- Do not touch the person without permission. (unless restraint is imperative for everyone’s safety)
- Plan ahead.
It is important to plan ahead so that there are fewer security issues in the future. For example, many children with autism want to drive, meet up and live independently as they get older – therefore caregivers need to think early on about how and whether this can be achieved safely. Planning ahead of time can help anyone make easier decisions on difficult issues.
Did you like this article? Find out more in Autism Parenting Magazine, the leading international publication for autism families.
