My neurodivergent child is my world, but I won’t lie – sometimes I don’t sleep well at night. As a parent, I want nothing more than to keep them safe, but I know the world isn’t always built for kids with unique needs. I’ve learned just how prone children with ASD are to wandering, and it’s a fear that never quite leaves me. That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands. I created a free autism safety kit, and I want to share it with you! Here are seven essential things I included in mine – tools that have helped me feel more secure knowing my child has everything they need to thrive. Maybe they can help bring you some peace of mind too.
Table of Contents
1. Create a Sensory-Safe Space
When it comes to autism safety tips, one that tops the list is creating a sensory-safe haven for your kiddo. Children on the spectrum, or with different thinking and learning styles, can sometimes get overwhelmed by sensory inputs, leading to challenging meltdowns or potentially risky scenarios.
So, what should you keep in mind for this task? When setting up your free autism safety kit, it’s essential to consider certain factors to create a genuinely sensory-friendly space. By considering their unique sensory needs, you’re not just preventing potential hurdles but nurturing an environment where they can thrive. You’ll be surprised how this small yet significant step can make a difference in your child’s day-to-day life. Remember, it’s all about making them feel safe and comfortable. Let’s make their world more manageable, one step at a time.
Read More: Sensory Overload
| Sensory-Safe Space Elements | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Aim for soft, natural light and steer clear of harsh or flickering lights. |
| Noise | Keep loud or sudden noises to a minimum. Consider incorporating white noise machines or noise-canceling headphones. |
| Textures | Select soft, comfortable materials for furniture and décor. |
| Colors | Choose calming colors like blues, greens, and pastels. |
2. Secure Your Home
Securing your home is crucial for all kids, but it’s especially important for neurodivergent children who tend to wander. Some measures you can take include:
- Install locks on doors and windows
- Use alarms on doors and windows
- Create a fenced outdoor play area
- Keep dangerous items out of reach
3. Teach Water Safety
It’s crucial to supervise your child around water at all times and to teach them important water safety skills.
- Swimming Lessons: Invest in swimming lessons for your child. Not only does it boost their confidence, but it also enhances their safety around water.
- Life Jackets and Flotation Devices: Make sure to use life jackets or flotation devices as an additional safety measure during any water activities.
- Pool Fences and Alarms: Consider installing pool fences and alarms. These tools serve as a physical barrier and send alerts if your child gets too close to the pool area.
Read more: Cool Electronic Gifts for Kids
4. Establish Clear Routines
Routines provide structure and predictability for kids with thinking and learning differences. Establishing clear routines can help prevent meltdowns and ensure your child’s safety. Some tips for creating routines are:
- Use visual schedules or charts
- Set consistent times for daily activities
- Gradually introduce changes to routines
Build Custom Printable Visual Schedules
Is your child having trouble managing their routines? Here’s a free visual schedule builder. Goally’s custom tool allows you to create printable personalized schedules that motivate your child to focus on their tasks. Perfect for morning, homework, and bedtime routines, this free visual schedule builder is easy to use and will help your child reach their full potential.
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5. Practice Communication Skills
Effective communication is key to ensuring your child’s safety. Work on developing your child’s communication skills, whether verbal or non-verbal. This can include:
- Visual Aids: Make use of PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) to help your child express their needs or wants visually.
- Sign Language: Teaching basic sign language can be another effective communication method, especially for non-verbal children.
- Communication Devices: Encourage the use of communication devices. These technological aids can assist in expressing thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas.
“Help Your Child Learn to Talk” 👇
Goally’s tablet has some of the top language learning games & apps that help kids learn their first 50 words, practice finger dexterity, fine motor skills, AND communicate with AAC.
6. Build a Support Network
A strong support network is invaluable for caregivers of neurodivergent kids. Connect with other parents, therapists, and educators who can provide guidance, resources, and emotional support. Some ways to build your support network are:
- Join local support groups
- Attend workshops or conferences
- Participate in online forums or social media groups
Read more: Auditory Hypersensitivity in Kids With Autism
7. Prepare for Emergencies
Being prepared for emergencies is essential for every parent, but it’s imperative when caring for a child with thinking and learning differences. Some emergency preparedness tips include:
- Create an emergency plan and share it with your support network
- Keep an emergency kit with essential items like medication, comfort items, and important documents
- Teach your child what to do in case of an emergency (e.g., fire drills, contacting a trusted adult)
Goally | Visual Scheduler for Autism
Does your child struggle with getting ready in the morning independently? Goally’s routine app on the best tablet for kids breaks down large tasks into small, achievable steps for autistic kids. Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step.
Always Remember
Ensuring the safety of our neurodivergent kiddos can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By implementing these 7 autism safety tips, you’ll create a secure and nurturing environment for your child to flourish. Remember, every child is unique, so adapt these strategies to suit your child’s specific needs. Keep learning, stay connected with your support network, and trust your instincts as a caregiver.
FAQs About Building a Free Autism Safety Kit
What is a free autism safety kit? A free autism safety kit is a collection of cost-effective, easy-to-obtain items that help ensure the safety and comfort of children on the autism spectrum.
What items should I include in a autism safety kit? Key items include non-verbal communication aids, sensory toys, ID bracelets, safety locks, and visual schedules.
Why is a free autism safety kit crucial? It helps manage potential safety risks and fosters an environment where your child can thrive, all while keeping costs low.
How can I create a free autism safety kit at home? You can build one by repurposing household items and utilizing cost-effective resources like printable visual schedules available online.
Where can I find resources to build a free autism safety kit? Our blog provides a detailed guide on creating an effective autism safety kit using everyday items and free resources.
This post was originally published on 04/17/2023. It was updated on 02/23/2024.
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