GET Help: ASD Safety Concerns
When it comes to the safety of children with autism, creating a secure and supportive home environment is crucial. Children on the autism spectrum often have unique sensory needs and behavioral patterns that require special attention when it comes to childproofing. By prioritizing the safety of the home for children with autism, we can create a nurturing space where they can thrive while giving parents peace of mind knowing their child is protected.
A few tips…
If there are concerns about wandering, you can install tall, privacy fencing to reduce visual stimuli and allow your child to play safely outdoors. You can also use proximity alarms, door chimes, additional locks, and sloped window sills to prevent climbing.
If there are concerns about burns/scalding, lower the water heater temperature, protect the water heater from tampering, add locks to stove knobs, and consider installing an induction cooktop. Induction cooktops don’t create a hot surface.
To protect children from furniture, you can tether bookcases and other furniture to the wall to prevent them from tipping, install built-in shelving, mount media equipment to the wall, bolt dressers to the wall, use two anchors when anchoring furniture to the wall, and make sure they are installed into wall studs or solid wood.
It’s also important to understand that many children with autism are fascinated by water. Therefore, you want to have the best safety precautions if you have a swimming pool. This means adding a fence and/or pool alarm.
Other ways to protect your child with autism:
If headbanging is a concern, provide a safe place in the home where they can do so such as a calm-down room with padded mats and/or a safety helmet readily available. See below.
Consider other self-injuring behaviors and add precautions as needed.
Install locks on dangerous storage areas.
Add plexiglass over TVs and picture frames.
Consider security cameras.
Take extra measures during renovation/construction when normal safeguards are not in place. See our blog, “GET Life Hacks: Sensory-Friendly Environment” for inspiration!
For more considerations about safety at home as it relates to autism, visit:
Hidden Treasures: Creating a Safe Environment for Your Child with Autism
Psychology Today: How Can We Help Keep Children, Teens, and Adults With Autism Safe
It’s up to you to ensure your home environment is a safe one. Hopefully, these resources can help you create a home where you, your child, or a loved one feel at peace.
