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Safety at home
Creating a safe and secure home for children with autism means adapting the safety strategies to fit their unique needs.
It's key to figure out what specific things to watch out for with your child. Do they tend to sneak off or run away? Are they fascinated by fire? Do they often try to eat things that aren't food? By understanding your child's specific safety challenges, you can reduce the risks and teach them about safety in a way that will help them learn.
Understanding specific risks
Autistic children might not always perceive danger in the same way other children do, especially if they are deeply engrossed in their activities or have sensory-seeking tendencies. This can lead them to interact unsafely with objects in their environment. Here are some common risks that need addressing:
- Access to hazardous items: Medications, chemicals, and sharp objects like scissors and knives should be stored securely and out of reach.
- Fire safety: It’s important to teach what fire hazards are (like matches, lighters, and stoves) and what to do in case of a fire. This includes understanding the sound of smoke alarms and knowing evacuation routes.
- Furniture-related injuries: Children might climb furniture to reach something, resulting in falls or the furniture tipping over. Secure furniture to the wall and store appealing items out of sight.
- Wandering/Absconding: Some children with autism may wander or abscond from safety without realising the dangers. Secure exits and possibly set alarms to alert you if doors or windows are opened.
Practical safety strategies
Tailoring safety strategies to your child’s unique needs can make a real difference in their day-to-day life, and positively affect the whole family. By focusing on clear communication, establishing predictable routines, and making small adjustments around the home to reduce risks, you can create a secure and supportive environment where your child feels safe, and comfortable and encourages them to build their independence. Below we explore some of the strategies you can use.
Treat your home as an extension of your child’s learning environment:
- Use visual aides: Labelling items around the house helps children associate visuals with their environment. For example, use stickers or labels on dangerous items to indicate they are not to be touched.
- Establish clear boundaries: Use visuals like stop signs on doors that lead outside or to areas like staircases. Floor tape can also visually mark areas that are off-limits.
- Minimise clutter: This is sometimes easier said than done, however, minimising clutter and keeping things organised can help provide a safer environment.
Taking extra security measures can help prevent accidents and manage behaviours:
- Install advanced locks and alarms: Use locks that are difficult to tamper with and set alarms for doors and windows that will notify you if they are unexpectedly opened.
- Protect against hazards: Cover sharp corners with padding, secure electrical outlets, and use gates or barriers to block access to dangerous areas.
- Store dangerous items safely: Keep potentially dangerous items like knives, matches, and cleaning chemicals in locked cabinets or on high shelves.
Being prepared for an emergency is essential:
- Practice emergency routines: Conduct regular drills so your child knows how to exit the home safely during a fire or other emergencies.
- Display emergency contacts: Post emergency numbers in several prominent places at home and save them in your mobile phones. Consider giving your child a wearable ID with contact information.
- Know your neighbours: Make sure your neighbours know your family, particularly your autistic child, and they are aware of any concerning behaviours that might take place. For example running away, or trying to find a pool.
Modify your home to make it a safer environment:
- Use specialised equipment: Invest in furniture designed to prevent climbing or falling. Install safety gates at stairs and door alarms to alert when a door is opened.
- Create a sensory-safe space: Set up a quiet area where your child can retreat to reduce sensory overload and calm down if they need it.
- Clear clutter: Keep floors and walkways clear of clutter to reduce the risk of tripping and to create a calmer environment that’s easier for a child to navigate.
- Soft flooring and furniture: Implement soft flooring options like carpets or foam mats to cushion falls. Opt for furniture with rounded corners and soft materials to minimise injury risks.
- Secure heavy items: Secure heavy furniture and appliances to the wall to prevent them from tipping over if climbed on. Also, keep heavy objects on lower shelves or in secure cabinets.
For more information on safety, watch our Autism Safety Series: