Autism Safety Resources

General Safety

• Autism Speaks | Safety In The Community: autismspeaks.org/safety-community
  Resources on safety plans, interacting with law enforcement, dealing with money, and more.
• Safe Signals: autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/2018-09/safe_signals_project.pdf
  A printable safety guide on Home Fire & Burn Safety for Adolescents from Autism Speaks and OSU Wexner Medical Center.
• Autism Speaks Autism Response Team: cap4kids.org/columbus/autism-speaks
  Call the Autism Response Team at (888) 288-4762 to get connected to resources in your area. They may also help cover costs (between $250-$1,000) for critical expenses related to the well-being of the family member with autism, such as GPS devices or safety fences.
• Article | Preparing Children for More Independence: kidpower.org/library/article/preparing-independence
• CAP4Kids Safety Resources: Animal Bites, Poison Control, Bicycles, Car Seats, Internet Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Water Safety

• Safety on the Spectrum Water & Wandering: autismsociety.org/water-and-wandering
  Scroll down for tons of free, printable resources, including: a Water Safety Checklist, IEP Letter Template, Social Stories for the pool, beach, aquarium, and more, and Social Stories en Español!
• Swim & Water Safety: autismspeaks.org/tool-kit-excerpt/swim-and-water-safety
  Find tips for parents and lifeguards, sample letters, and booklists on swim safety from Autism Speaks.

Car Safety

• Seat Belt Locks: These products can be easily installed into your family’s car to prevent children from releasing their seat belt while the car is in motion. Here are a few options:
  BuckleRoo Seatbelt Guard: especialneeds.com/shop/special-needs-seating-positioning/car-seats-seatbelt-guards/seat-belt-buckle-guard.htm
  Seatbelt Buckle Guard (2-Pack): seatbeltextenderpros.com/seat-belt-buckle-guard-2-pack
  Buckle Boss for Pre-2016 Cars: autism-products.com/product/buckle-boss-seat-belt-guard
• Ohio BMV Disability Plates & Placards: cap4kids.org/columbus/bmv-disability-plates
  Apply for Disability license plates and placards, or complete the Communication Verification Disability form to avoid misunderstandings with law enforcement.
• CAP4Kids Resources for Car Seat Safety

Identification

• If I Need Help: ifineedhelp.org
  Become a member and create a profile for free. The profile can emailed to you and forwarded to searchers if your child goes missing. Wear or carry the ID cards, patches, pins, clips, shoe tags, or other products. When lost, the QR code can be scanned or the number associated with the code can be entered manually into the If I Need Help website to contact the family.
  (661) 524-6732
• Autism ID Card: autismidcard.com
  Purchase a card to keep in your wallet or pocket to alert first responders in case of emergency.
  (412) 605-0113
• Road ID: roadid.com
  Purchase wearable IDs for emergency identification. They offer durable, adventure-ready bracelets, shoe IDs, apple watch tags, dog tags, and more.
  (800) 345-6336
• Medical Alert: medicalert.org/autism
  Purchase medical ID cards, bracelets, or seatbelt tags. You can also purchase an annual Protection Plan for access to 24/7 live response team and additional emergency services.
  (800) 432-5378
• Safety Tat: new.safetytat.com
  Purchase customizable temporary tattoos for children to wear while traveling with their emergency contact information.
  (866) 468-5766
• Ohio BMV ID R Kids: cap4kids.org/columbus/ohio-bmv-id-r-kids
  Apply for an Ohio ID Card for your child at any deputy BMV location. The fee is waived for children under age 17 with a disability.
  (844) 644-6268

Wandering & Elopement

• About Autism and Wandering: nationalautismassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/NAA_About-Wandering-LR-for-online.pdf
• Big Red Safety Box: nationalautismassociation.org/big-red-safety-box
  A toolkit from The National Autism Association for autism families to prevent and respond to wandering-related emergencies. Go online and complete the application to have a kit sent to your family for free. The kit includes safety decals, educational materials, ID tags, and door/window alarms.
• Autism Wandering & Safety Guide from Include NYC: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2024/05/Autism__wandering_packet-compressed.pdf
  Safety Checklists, Social Stories, Letter Templates, and Tons of Resources
• Autism Speaks Wandering Prevention Tips: autismspeaks.org/wandering-prevention
• Autism Speaks Autism Safety Kit: autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/autism-safety-kit
  This kit was created to help families prevent and respond to wandering incidents. Find printable forms and handouts to help develop a safety plan specific to your child’s unique needs.
• Window Wedge: childsafetystore.com/products/window-wedge-cresci-products
  Purchase and easily install this product at home to childproof windows. They can be used to keep windows completely closed or open no more than 4 inches.
• Portable Door/Window Alarms: walmart.com/c/kp/door-window-alarms
  Portable door and window alarms can be purchased at local hardware stores, superstores, or online. Price is typically around $15.
• Article | What If I Get Lost? How to Prepare Children: kidpower.org/library/article/getting-lost

GPS Monitoring

• About Tracking Technology: awaare.nationalautismassociation.org/tracking-technology
• Rest Assured: restassured.com
  Company offering remote home monitoring services to ensure safety, avoid elopement, and assist with daily activities. Contact the company for a quote.
  (877)338-9193
• Wynn-Reeth: wynn-reeth.com
  Ohio-based company offering Remote Support Services in addition to adult day and other services.
  (419)639-2094
• Project Lifesaver: projectlifesaver.org/about-us
  Search & Rescue (SAR) program specifically designed for “At Risk” individuals prone to wandering. Provides families with a GPS tracking watch and safety education. Membership fees vary based on location, go to the Find An Agency page to search for your local office by zip code.
  (877) 580-5433
• Angel Sense: angelsense.com
  Purchase an annual subscription and receive a GPS watch or wearable button with assistive speakerphone, live monitoring and proactive alerting services.
  (646) 770-2950
• Care Trak Transmitters: caretrak.com
  Offers wearable tracker and a home Perimeter System using radio technology rather than GPS.
  (618) 687-3505
• Amber Alert GPS: amberalertgps.com
  Offers a GPS tracking device that pairs with a Mobile app to track your child from your phone.
  (888) 334-3958
• EyezOn: eyezon.com/index.html
  Offers home security systems, wearable GPS devices, smoke sensors, wireless sensors, and other technologies.
  (647) 503-3400

Medical Equipment

• How to Order Diapers through Insurance:
  1. Call your insurance company and ask for approved suppliers. This may be a home delivery company, medical supply pharmacy, or what is called a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company.
  2. Call the supplier and set up an account. Give them the doctor’s name, clinic fax, and phone number for the person writing the prescriptions.
  3. Call the prescribing clinic and give them the supplier company information, as well as product details and quantity. The clinic will then complete the prescription and paperwork.
• CAP4Kids Service Animals Resources
• CAP4Kids Assistive Technology & Equipment Resources

Behavior Support

• Sensory Motor Tools: especialneeds.com/shop/sensory-motor-skill-tools.html
  Purchase weighted vests, helmets, fidgets, and other helpful equipment.
• Autism Products: autism-products.com
  Purchase fun toys, weighted blankets, autism swings, communication tools, and much more.
• Article | Promoting Positive Behavior: autismspeaks.org/tool-kit-excerpt/helpful-strategies-promote-positive-behavior
• Article | Irritability Strategies: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2024/06/SC_2022-ACNet-Irritability-Flyer-PROD-no-crops.pdf
• Nationwide Children’s Autism Complex Behavior Program: cap4kids.org/columbus/nch-casd
  Provides intensive services and training for families to safely manage challenging behaviors and foster new coping skills.
  (614) 355-7570
• Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS): cap4kids.org/columbus/mrss
  Provides on-site crisis stabilization for those under the age of 21 experiencing behavioral or emotional distress.
  (888) 418-6777