Courtesy: National Autism Association
Many autism groups and organizations have been pushing to curb this epidemic, and some have emerged as leaders in advocacy for autism safety and awareness. For example, Autism Risk and Safety Management, founded by Dennis Debbaudt, is an organization that trains police, law enforcement professionals and first responders on how to properly diffuse potentially adverse situations involving children and adults with autism. Debbaudt is a former law enforcement official and an autism father that offers informative seminars and training across the country.
The National Autism Association is another group that has advocated for increased safety and awareness for those with autism, particularly in the areas of wandering and restrain & seclusion. Taking its plight to the next level, the NAA has just announced the second launch of its "Big Red Safety Box," a special kit that includes items and information to help prevent wandering-related incidents by those with autism spectrum disorders.
For a limited time (and while supplies last), the Big Red Safety Box is being offered to parents, families and caregivers of those with autism. The kits are limited to one per family and will be packaged and shipped by a company that employs adults with autism and other developmental disorders. Each box will include:
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1) Educational materials and tools:
- A caregiver checklist
- A Family Wandering Emergency Plan
- A first-responder profile form
- A wandering-prevention brochure
- A sample IEP Letter
2) Two (2) GE Door Alarms
3) One (1) Who’s Shoe ID
For those who would like to support this great initiative, the NAA is looking for sponsors to help keep the program going after supplies run out.
Drowning resulting from wandering-related episodes continues to be the leading cause of death of those with autism spectrum disorders. Hopefully, with programs like these, that will no longer be the case in the very near future.
I have two autistic children. I would greatly appreciate the kit and any suggestions… Thank you.
I would like to get one. I have a autistic 12 year old son.
Where can I get one for my two autistic children?
my nine year old son is autistic i would greatly appreciate having one for him also.
Hi. It would b very helpful to get one of your free kits. My adopted son has autism.
I am in tears because the link you gave goes nowhere. I found a company that claims they are giving money to orginization like your so arents like me can get a free kit. I see it is a poorly executed ad stunt as when i google these kitsi get this site and now feel lied to. I really need help because i cannot get elp in my area cuz funding has been cut. This kit would help however i cannot find out how to get one. This is a cry for help, will u answer the call?
hi! i have a 3 and half year old autistic daughter and i would really appreciate if i could get a saftey kit. i’m trying to make my home child prove but i have no idea where to start!
Please send me ACTUAL information as to how I can aquire this safety kit as I nanny an autistic. 6 year old boy who is a runner. Thank you , Judi
We are a support Group in our Area and would be interested in receiving safety kits for our families.Any help is greatly appreciated.
I have two kids with autism, and also am starting up an autism support group in my community. I would love to receive one of these kits and share this information with those in my support group. Thank you so much!
I looked for a place to request a safety kit but can not find it! My son was recently diagnosed in December, he will be 3 in June. Until Easter he would not walk on the grass due to the sound but because I wanted him to enjoy Easter I worked with him on this and by Easter he was able to do it without a meltdown…as a result he LOVES outside now! I have an older child and she is awful about not shutting the front door all the way! Just a couple days ago he made a break for it! Luckily my mom senses told me to make sure the door shut behind her because he was 3 doors down nearly on the corner and just feet from the highway!!! We are going to be installing a fence in the front yard to help prevent and slow him down if it were to happen again. One of these kits would be nice to have.