14 questions to assess safety skills in a child with autism
Children with autism spectrum disorder are at risk of wandering or elopement. Asking parents some key questions about how their child’s communication skills and how the child acts in public areas can help keep the child safe. Here are 14 questions that can help keep these children safe.
Children with autism spectrum disorder are at risk of wandering or elopement. Asking parents some key questions about how their child’s communication skills and how the child acts in public areas can help keep the child safe. Here are 14 questions that can help keep these children safe.
Does your child respond to his/her name?
How often does your child respond to his/her name?
What is the likelihood that your child will come when called in a fun and/or crowded space?
What level of language/communication ability does your child currently have?
Is your child able to ask for help?
Can your child recite or provide his/her phone number or address upon adult request?
Can your child identify a stranger (ie, potential predator) from a safer stranger (eg, store clerk, police officer) if help is needed?
When out in the community, does your child hold your hand?
Will your child run away from you if you’re not holding his/her hand?
Are you worried about using public transportation with your child due to your child’s behavior?
Does your child hold your hand while crossing the street?
Is your child vigilant around traffic or crowded spaces?
Does your child ever play with locks on doors, tamper with seatbelts when riding in the car, or attempt to open closures/latches on indoor or outdoor gates?
Has your child ever bolted away from you in an open space, such as a store or a parking lot? Does your child get distracted by preferred things and gradually increase his/her distance from you in public spaces?