If you have a child with autism, pay attention to these safety tips!
Wandering
Children may elope for many reasons:
- They might be curious about something interesting
- They might feel energetic, antsy, or distracted
- They might feel overwhelmed and need to seek a quiet space alone
To prevent elopement, consider installing alarms on doors and windows to alert you if your child attempts to leave the home. If they like to be outdoors, fence your yard with vertical slats that children cannot climb and make sure there is nothing near the fence that your child can easily climb. Always have an adult supervise your child when they are playing outside.
Some parents place a wearable tracking device, ID bracelet, or necklace on their child to locate them. Label their clothes and shoes with your phone number, so that anyone who finds your child can contact you.
If elopement occurs and you cannot find your child, try and stay calm. Call out their name or talk about things they like in case they are hiding nearby. Check the places your child has shown interest in. Contact local authorities immediately for assistance. It is helpful to have emergency contacts, such as neighbors and family members, who can help you if this happens.
Swimming Safely
Pool safety is important. Children with autism are at increased risk of drowning.1 Home pools are safest with a four-sided fence. The fence should be at least 4 feet tall with a self-latching gate and alarm.
Your child should always be supervised when swimming. You and other trusted adults can take turns watching your child. The swim supervisor should be within arm’s reach of your child. Life jackets are also good to use anytime your child goes swimming.2
Swim lessons are helpful for all children including those with autism.2 Local parks, public schools, or other community organizations can help you find swim lessons. The organization, Family Voices (familyvoices.org), also has helpful resources.
Home Safety
It is always important to safety proof your house. Household dangers can be marked with visual signs.3 For example, you can put a picture of a stop sign on your doors. lock medications, cleaning products, and sharp objects away. Secure any furniture that kids can climb on to prevent falls or crush injuries. Teach your kids not to touch hot objects in the kitchen. Some kids may not understand when tools or machines are unsafe. Supervision is always key to safety.
Internet Safety
- Use parental controls to limit access to certain websites and apps
- Do not give your child your email, usernames, or bank cards
- Teach your children not to send photos or talk to strangers online
- Do not buy your child violent or gory games
Many children join social media when they get older. Talk to them about cyberbullying! Teach your child not to talk with anyone who makes mean comments or comments that don’t make them feel good. If they are having trouble online with any issue, they should talk to you.
Whether outside, in the pool, in the home, or the internet, adult supervision is a great tool for keeping your child with autism safe.
For more information on safety for children with autism, you can also call the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a program of Jackson Hospital and University of Miami funded by the Children’s Trust at 305-243-9080 or visit www.injuryfree.org.
- Citations
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023, March 29). Keep kids with autism safe from wandering: Tips from the AAP. HealthyChildren.org.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2025, May 22). Water safety for children with special health care needs. HealthyChildren.org.
- Organization for Autism Research. (2020, August 26). Safety in the home for children with autism. ResearchAutism.org.
- eSafety Commissioner. (2020, December). Online safety for young people with intellectual disability. Esafety.gov.au.
