Every parent wants their home to be a safe and comfortable place for their child. But when your child is autistic, safety concerns can look a little different. Sensory-seeking behaviors, fixations, and challenges with recognizing danger can make everyday household items and spaces riskier than you might expect.
The good news? With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can create a home that not only keeps your child safe but also supports their unique needs.
- Lock Away Dangerous Items
Kids with autism are naturally curious, and sometimes that curiosity can lead them to things that aren’t safe, like cleaning supplies, sharp objects, or medications. A good rule of thumb is to store anything potentially dangerous in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf.
To reinforce safe boundaries, consider using visual reminders, like stop sign stickers or simple picture cues. These can help your child learn which areas are off-limits in a way that makes sense to them.
- Secure Furniture to Prevent Falls
If your child loves to climb, unsecured furniture can become a big safety hazard. Bookshelves, dressers, and even TVs can tip over if a child pulls or climbs on them. Anchoring heavy furniture to the wall with safety straps can help prevent accidents.
If your child climbs to reach something they want, try making those items more accessible in a safe way. Sometimes, simply adjusting how things are stored can make a big difference.
- Reduce the Risk of Wandering
Wandering, or “eloping,” is a common concern for parents of children with autism. Even if your child doesn’t typically wander, it’s always good to be prepared.
Here are a few simple ways to help keep them safe:
- Install childproof locks on doors and windows.
- Use door alarms that alert you when a door is opened.
- Place stop signs or visual cues on doors to reinforce boundaries.
- Mark safe areas with painter’s tape. This can help kids understand where they should and shouldn’t go.
If your child has a history of wandering, you might also want to look into GPS trackers, ID bracelets, or community safety programs to add an extra layer of security.
- Make the Bathroom Safer
The bathroom can be full of unexpected risks: slippery floors, hot water, and hard surfaces. A few small changes can make it much safer for your child:
- Use non-slip mats in the tub and on the floor to prevent falls.
- Install grab bars to help with balance when getting in and out of the tub.
- Adjust the water heater to prevent burns from hot water.
- Keep razors, soaps, and medicines locked away or out of reach.
For kids who find bath time overwhelming, creating a calming routine, like using soft lighting, playing gentle music, or introducing sensory-friendly bath toys, can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
- Address Sensory Sensitivities
Home safety isn’t just about physical hazards; it’s also about reducing sensory distress that can lead to unsafe behaviors. Simple adjustments can help keep your child safe while supporting their needs.
- If your child engages in headbanging or rocking, add soft padding to walls, furniture, or floors to minimize impact.
- Offer alternative sensory input options like a mini-trampoline, weighted blankets, or sensory swings to reduce unsafe climbing or crashing.
- Use goggles to keep water out of their eyes in the bathtub, install soft lighting, and minimize loud exhaust fans to prevent distress in the bathroom.
- Use dimmable lights, noise-canceling headphones, or a quiet retreat space to help them self-regulate safely.
Every child is different, so making adjustments based on what works for them is key!
- Keep Cords and Electronics Out of Reach
Appliance cords, power strips, and electrical outlets can be particularly tempting for curious hands, posing risks of shocks, tripping, or entanglement.
To minimize these hazards, use outlet covers to prevent accidental contact and secure loose cords so they don’t become a strangulation or tripping risk. Small kitchen appliances like toasters or blenders should be stored out of reach when not in use to prevent accidental activation.
Adding simple visual cues, such as stop signs or warning labels near outlets and power strips, can also help reinforce boundaries and create a safer environment for your child.
Keeping your child safe at home isn’t about eliminating risks entirely—it’s about creating an environment where they can explore, learn, and grow with confidence. Every child is different, and what works for one family might not work for another. The key is to observe your child’s behaviors, anticipate possible risks, and make adjustments that fit their unique needs.
At Ready Set Connect, we understand the challenges of creating a safe home environment, and we’re here to help. If you need more guidance or support, reach out to us. We’d love to work with you to create the best possible environment for your child to thrive.
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