What Safety Precautions Are Needed for Autistic Children?

Autism is a condition that affects children in many different ways. Children with autism may be verbal, nonverbal, or use a communication device. They may or may not follow spoken directions, be afraid of strangers or lack an awareness of danger. Many children with autism have difficulty keeping themselves safe and some engage in unsafe behaviors for longer than neurotypical children would.

  1. In the Home

    • Your autistic child may explore and move around your home more like a toddler than like a young child. Lock up medications, matches or other potentially dangerous objects so that only adults have access to them. Bolt any heavy furniture to the wall if your child likes to climb. Cover electrical outlets or use sliding outlet covers to prevent your child from putting things into the sockets. Place latches on cabinets or use magnetic locks to prevent your child from getting into cleaning supplies and other potentially harmful chemicals. Watch your child to see what he does that is potentially dangerous, then keep the dangerous objects out of his reach while you work to teach him safer behaviors.

    Wandering

    • Many autistic children leave their homes when they are stressed or frightened to return to a favorite place. Install a high lock or alarm on your doors to alert you when someone leaves the home. If your child goes missing, check any sources of water first, such as a pool or nearby pond. Get to know your neighbors and introduce them to your child. Tell them what to do or how to contact you if they find your child wandering or unsupervised. You can also contact your local police department and tell them that you have an autistic child who is prone to wandering. Police departments in some areas have officers or even departments that are trained to work with children who have special needs.

    Community Safety

    • In addition to safety-proofing your home, you also need to make sure your child is safe when you are out in the community. Think about what you would do if your child darted away from you while you were in public. Carry a recent picture of him at all times, and consider stickers or a card that gives your child̵7;s name and your contact information. This gives other adults a way to contact you if they find your child unaccompanied. Consider using a large stroller or harness if your child runs off in public or does not hold your hand.

    Other Concerns

    • If your child with autism has difficulty sleeping at night, he may wake up wanting to be active. If this is the case, make sure that his room is a safe place. Remove any heavy furniture that could tip over or fasten it to the wall. Consider a baby gate or alarm on your child̵7;s door if you worry about him wandering the house at night. Some organizations train assistance dogs specifically for children with autism. These dogs can be helpful for many children, and the dogs can be trained to help keep the children safe both in and outside of your home.

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