June 2024 Newsletter | Safety Tools and Strategies

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Safety Tools and Strategies

The STAR, Links, and SOLER curricula all help students with autism gain independence and generalize skills within their communities. As they navigate the world, however, these students are at a higher risk for unsafe behaviors and situations—making it crucial to teach safety skills early and frequently! 

Safety Routines

Teach and practice a variety of safety routines that are essential if a student becomes lost or unexpectedly finds themselves in an unsafe situation. Include routines for street crossing and calling embergency services, and have students practice answering questions like "What is your teacher's name?" and "What is your phone number?" You can use some of our sample visuals and activities to practice important safety skills. Check out this set of safety images and sequence strip for crossing the street and this "Lost in the Community" Social Script to get started with some tools to practice safety routines!

Devices and Wearables

Students who don’t yet have safety skills—or who need additional supports—can benefit from environmental and wearable safety devices, particularly if they are prone to elopement.

• Medical ID bracelets share essential health information with first responders and medical staff.
• Bright clothing, and even a tracking device, can help teachers and caregivers to locate a wandering student.
• Door alarms are easily installed and provide an extra layer of protection for students who wander.

Teaching skills can dramatically reduce the risk of elopement, especially in tricky transitions or unexpected activities such as a fire drill. Essential skills to teach include walking with an adult, coming when called, and waiting. Our "walk with me" video provides a great example of these skills in action.