Click on the icons below to explore other sections:
Safety is a primary concern for all individuals, especially those with ASD who may sometimes face challenges avoiding dangerous situations. The information in this section outlines common safety concerns for individuals with ASD, tips for keeping individuals out of harm’s way, and strategies to proactively prepare for dealing with a crisis situation should it arise.
In this section, you can explore the following topics:
- How to Inform Police and/or First Responders that an Individual Has Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- What to Do when an Individual with ASD Tends to Wander/Elope or Lack Sense of Danger?
- What Steps Should I Take if a Dependent Family Member with ASD Leaves the Home without Supervision?
- Preventing Sexual Abuse
Additional Resources
National and Nationwide Resources:
- Autism Safety Education & Training (ASET)
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention-Keeping Children with Disabilities Safe
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Safety and Children with Disabilities
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Indiana: Crisis Intervention Teams for Youth Training Resources
- National Autism Association: Autism Wandering Resource (AWAARE)
- National Center on Criminal Justice & Disability: Shining a Light on Traditionally Hidden Disabilities
- The Arc National Center on Criminal Justice & Disability
- A Guide to Safety from Organization for Autism Research
State Resources:
- Autism Resource Network of Indiana (ARNI)
- HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center
- Hamilton County Police Department-Project Lifesaver
- Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA)
- Indiana Resource Center for Autism: First Responder Training
- Indiana Sheriffs’ Association
- Indiana University School of Medicine Safety Store
- Marion County Police Department-Scent Preservation Kits
- HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center: Toolkits
- Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA)
- Indiana Sheriffs’ Association
References
- ASET-Autism/Developmental Disability Registration Form
- Big Red Safety Toolkit
- Autism Speaks: Preventing Wandering
- Autism Risk and Safety Management-Emergency Contact Form
- Autism Speaks-Emergency Information Example
- Autism Speaks-Elopement Alert Form
- Autism Speaks-Safety and Wandering Prevention Checklist
- Autism Speaks: Interacting with Law Enforcement
- Autism Speaks: Safety Products
- Polly Klaas Foundation-Free Child ID Kit
- Autism Speaks Safety Projects
- Autism Speaks Wandering Study
- Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant-FAQs
- Hamilton County Police Department-Project Lifesaver
- Marion County Police Department-Scent Preservation Kits
- HANDS in Autism®. (2013).Next steps manual, 4th edition. Indianapolis, IN: Trustees of Indiana University.
- Indiana Resource Center for Autism: First Responder Training
- The Arc National Center on Criminal Justice & Disability
Click on the icons below to explore other sections: