When it comes to identifying safety risks and preventing emergencies for an individual with autism, you and your family are the best advocates and the most likely people to take the necessary steps to develop a Safety Plan.

A Safety Plan should include key participants - school personnel, daycare providers, neighbors, caretakers, and extended family, anyone involved in your network that has daily contact with the individual at risk.

It is critical to take the time to evaluate what your family member needs to be safe and protected at home, school and in his or her community. Preventative measures help ensure the wellbeing of individuals with autism. 

Be Prepared with Emergency Information at your Fingertips!                         
Emergency Information at a Glance (PDF)

Create an Informational Handout for First Responders!
Emergency Information for Individuals with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDF)

Top Safety Risks for Individuals with ASD:

• Wandering
  
• Pica
  
• Drowning
  
• Household toxings

Safety Plan Checklist:

• Does the individual with autism wander, run away or get lost in a crowd?
  
• Are your home, school and community activities evaluated for safety? Are preventative measures put in place?
  
• Does the individual ALWAYS wear identification with a contact number listed?
  
• Have you let your neighbors/community know about your child with special needs?
  
• Are safety skills included in the Individual Education Program in your school district?
  
• Have you contacted your local 911 call centers?

Research Publication:

Parents and caregivers should be aware that their loved ones with Autism Spectrum Disorders are at increased risk of accidental deaths due to drowning and suffocation, particularly younger individuals. Increased understanding of the most common causes of death can help parents and professionals focus on reducing associated risks and ultimately the rate of mortality among individuals with autism.

Mortality and Causes of Death in Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Update. Mouridsen SE, et al. Autism. 2008 Jul;12(4):403-14.

 Resources

• American Red Cross - www.redcross.org (includes advice in mp3 audio format)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - emergency.cdc.gov 
• Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and People with Disabilities - disabilitypreparedness.gov
• Get Pandemic Ready - getpandemicready.org
• Kind Find: Keeping Spectrum Kids Safe - www.kind-find.com
• National Organization on Disability, Emergency Preparedness Initiative - nod.org 
• pandemicflu.gov
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Ready America - www.ready.gov 
• ReadyMoms Alliance - readymoms.org 

Fire Safety Book Designed for Kids with Autism: I Know My Fire Safety Plan: A Children's Book

Tots in Mind: Leaders in Child Safety Products


Products for Identification

Medical ID Store
My Precious Child ID Bracelet
Temporary Tattoos with a Purpose
Lean on Us Child Safety ID Card
SafetyTats

Personal Tracking Devices

Gemini GPS Tracking Unit
Ion Kid’s Tracking Wristband
Project Lifesaver Tracking Systems
Care Trak Transmitters
MyContact411
Amber Alert GPS™ 2G
LoJack Safety NetAdditional Resources

Social Story Book - PPT
Protecting Loved one with Autism - PDF
Keeping Children and Adults with Autism Safe - PDF
National Autism Association – Safety Tool Kit
Unlocking Autism – Safety Tool Kit