Safety in the community

For families with autistic children, especially those who are non-verbal or have complex support needs, ensuring safety in different environments can be a significant challenge.

Below, we will discuss safety in the community and the importance of planning and community cooperation.‍

Building a support network

Autistic individuals face unique challenges that require patience, understanding, and support from their families and the wider community. It’s essential for parents and carers to build a strong support network that can address these needs and help everyone feel safe and supported. This network might include family members, friends, neighbours, teachers, therapists, and even local emergency services.

Creating a safety plan

To manage the risks associated with autism effectively, having a well-thought-out safety plan is crucial. Your plan should include:

• Risk assessment: Evaluate potential dangers in your child’s daily environments and consider if there’s a risk of wandering.
• Communication and identification: Ensure your child always has some form of ID with contact information, which could be wearable or sewn into their clothing.
• Involving the community: Educate your neighbours and local community members about your child’s behaviours and how they can help ensure their safety.
• Emergency services coordination: Provide local emergency personnel with information about how to communicate with and assist your child effectively, if needed.
• Safety proofing: Implement safety measures in the places your child frequents, such as securing areas and setting up preventative tools like alarms or safety gates.

Practical safety tips for community settings

Community settings, whether familiar or new, can present various challenges. Here are some strategies to help keep your loved one safe when out in the community:

• Recognise triggers: Identify what triggers your child’s wandering or unsafe behaviours to better prevent these situations.
• Teaching safety skills: Focus on teaching your child essential safety skills. Keep the lessons simple and reinforce them regularly.
• Safety products: Consider using wearable IDs and tracking devices to help monitor and locate your child if they wander.
• Be prepared: Whenever possible, visit venues in advance to understand any specific safety risks. Speak with staff about their emergency response plans and let them know about any considerations they should be aware of during your visit.
• Plan public outings: Clearly communicate plans and rules before heading out to help manage your child’s expectations and behaviour in public settings.
• Use technology: Monitoring technologies can be valuable in keeping your child safe, particularly if they have a tendency to wander.
• Know your neighbours: Keep them informed about your child’s behaviours and any potential safety risks.
• School and social settings: Provide schools, sports clubs, and other programmes with a safety plan that outlines your child’s tendencies and how to manage them.
• Emergency services: Introduce your child to local safety personnel so they understand your child’s needs and how to interact with them during emergencies.

Wandering safety

Wandering is a common concern for families with autistic children, as they may run off without recognising danger. To manage this risk, it’s crucial to take proactive steps. Start by educating your child on safety skills using social stories to teach road safety, stranger danger, and basic fire and water safety.

When out in public, dress your child in bright, distinctive clothing to increase visibility, and equip them with wearable IDs that include your contact details. Engage with the community by introducing your child to staff at places they visit often, like the local train station, and ask them to contact you if they see your child alone.

Work closely with your child’s school, sporting or special interest club to develop a safety plan, and liaise with local law enforcement so they’re aware of your child’s needs. Create an action plan with emergency contacts for all caregivers, and ensure everyone has a copy of the plan.  Regularly practice emergency drills with your child, using positive reinforcement to help them understand what to do if they wander.

Drowning prevention

Many autistic children are naturally drawn to water, but they might not have the necessary swimming and safety skills. To help protect them, the first step is to ensure you have a secure, high, lockable pool fence installed that meets Australian safety standards. 

Install pool alarms that detect movement on the water’s surface and alert you if someone falls in. Additionally, all entrances and exits to the pool area should be secured by fitting alarms on pool gates and doors leading to the pool, and these doors should always be locked to prevent unsupervised access.

Installing window guards on windows that overlook the pool prevents access through these points, improving your safety measures. 

During swim time, designate a responsible adult as the water watcher. This person’s sole focus should be on watching the children in or near the water, without distractions like mobile phones or alcohol.

Teaching your child to swim from an early age adds a layer of protection, giving them the skills to save themselves if they fall into a pool. Lastly, parents, carers, and anyone responsible for the pool area should be trained in CPR so they are prepared to act in case of an emergency.