Essential Autism Safety Strategies – Autism Parenting Magazine

A woman on the spectrum shares her perspective on safety and offers her top tips.

For a parent with a child or an adult on the spectrum, being safe in an environment is important. I am giving tips on how individuals can stay safe in many environments.

Tip 1: Education about autism

Avoiding unsafe situations starts with education. Learning about autism requires more than reading books and articles. Teaching others about autism helps with knowledge. People can read about autism, but until somebody meets or befriends a person with autism, they won’t really understand. Individuals can learn a great deal by befriending someone with autism. We are all different; don’t put us in a box.

Tip 2: Bullying

If a child has autism, it might make it easier for other children to bully them. Adults with autism can be bullied, too. Teach a child to find positive influences like mentors or organizations that can help make them stronger. Teach others to report when they see another person being bullied.

Continual bullying can lead to mental health problems because the person may start to think they are worthless. Bullying can last a lifetime in the mind of a person on the spectrum.

As a child, I was bullied. I did not understand myself or my feelings. When I was bullied as an adult, I found positive people, mentors, and organizations that helped me grow stronger. I now understand that bullies’ words are not true.

Tip 3: Sensory issues

Sensory issues are responses to things that can be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, and touched. Sound can be a problem in a busy restaurant or a gym. A solution is earmuffs, ear pods, a headset, or even cotton to muffle the noise.

A parent can hug their child to give them assurance. I appreciated my mom hugging me when I was a child.

Even how food feels or tastes bothers some on the spectrum. Find food your child or adult can handle.

A vacuum cleaner, blender, or other tools can cause a great deal of grief. Some on the spectrum can have sensory issues with pets, car rides, nature, or malls. Knowing triggers can help.

Tip 4: Meltdowns

Pay attention to what may trigger a meltdown. Learn to calm yourself or family members with autism. You want to avoid police being called if possible.

Some calming things I have discovered are sound machines, darkness, night lights, and service or therapy pets. Sometimes hugging or holding hands helps. If an individual has a meltdown, go to an empty spot where individuals can cool down, decompress, or eat at home.

Tip 5: Positive reinforcement

My mom helped me when she gave me positive reinforcement and took her time with me. She taught me that behaviors have consequences.

My mom’s parenting style was a safety net. Punishments like yelling and hitting do not help.

Tip 6: Daily routines

Establishing daily routines that keep you safe and on pace with your day can help. Examples are:

• brushing hair and teeth,
• taking showers,
• eating and cooking

This is a safety net. If there is a problem or you run out of something, work on daily solutions. For example, if you don’t have enough produce or meat, go to a store or order online.

Buy a brush if your brush breaks. Buy toothpaste if you run out. Make sure personal hygiene is on your schedule.

Set an alarm on your clock or phone so you get up each day in order to get to work or school on time. Be sure to feed your pets or service animals. Make sure you don’t run out of food.

Tip 7: Home

When you are at home, make sure to lock your doors. If you’re worried about theft, install a security system. Fence your yard for your animals so they don’t get lost or stolen.

Make sure children in the household don’t have access to poison, sharp objects, electrical outlets, or appliances. If someone in your family needs special access ramps or other equipment, install them. Make sure everything is safe.

Tip 8: Strangers

Teach family members about safety with strangers. Walk in open areas with people around and not in alleys. Do not talk or ride with strangers.

Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be home. If you are going with a group, let your family know who you are with, and talk to people you know. When you take your phone, you can be tracked if you get lost.

If you are going to a new place, you will probably meet strangers. Make sure your friends introduce you. There will be times when you meet someone new. You might wish to introduce yourself only when friends are around.

If you have a plumber or electrician come and work on your house or apartment, make sure they have identification. Leave the door shut and locked when someone comes to your door and you don’t recognize them.

Tip 9: Service animals

If you have a service animal, you might wish to say no to people who want to pet your animal. The service animal is there to help and protect you. Your service animal is working.

Even if your pet is trained to handle distractions, there are times your service animal may be distracted. Get their attention. If you trip, fall, or have a seizure, your service animal will know what to do.

Tip 10: Relationships

Let your friendship develop slowly. Anytime you become uncomfortable, set boundaries. Know your limits.

If a friendship or marriage falls apart, take care of yourself mentally and physically. When you have known someone for a long time, and you break up, it can be hard. You will have strong feelings, so find someone to talk with about them.

Tip 11: Children

Children require a lot of attention and care. Make sure you are up to the task and know what is required. Ask for help when you need it. If there is an accident, get the help you need.

Tip 12: Concerns at work

Identify accommodations you might need when you are at work. Talk with your boss or business owner to make sure you have what you need.

For example, you may need to dictate instead of type for data entry. Some may need braille or large print for reading. Make sure there is wheelchair access to bathrooms.

You may need to avoid steps to accommodate your service animal or to wear earphones for noise reduction. Be prepared to leave if your job changes for the worse.

Tip 13: Rules of the road

When you drive, make sure you follow the rules of the road. Travel and park where you are comfortable. Watch for people who are not paying attention.

Take hourly breaks or change drivers. Make sure you are rested. Keep distractions at a minimum.

If someone has difficulty handling long distances, begin with shorter trips and increase the distance. If a passenger needs a disability ramp, make sure to have one. If a passenger needs technology or sensory help while in a vehicle, have on hand what works best.

Tip 14: Internet and devices

Keep electronic devices updated and charged. If you use email, question offers, and avoid phishing. Do not give out information.

When an offer sounds too good to be true, it is. When someone asks for your identification or credit card numbers, don’t give them unless you are ordering something you want. Limit your hours on screens to avoid addiction.

These are my tips for safety in many environments. I hope they help those on the spectrum.