Safety Advice for Autism Spectrum Kids

Child safety expert Carolyn Ziegler from leading child safety brand Dreambaby® shares her professional advice and beneficial insights with parents and carers of children on the Autism Spectrum.

Children’s safety and well being is of utmost importance for all parents and carers but for guardians of children on the Autism Spectrum, keeping little ones safe at home and whilst out-and-about may require a little more planning, guidance and resources.

“Children on the Autism Spectrum, like most young children often like to test their personal boundaries, however Autism Spectrum kids are often physically stronger and possibly more adept at an earlier age or for a longer period of their youth and if they have an adventurous spirit, or want to push boundaries physically, then it’s vital and wise to be prepared and to take precautions to avoid potential problems”.

“Kitchen and living areas are important places to secure, as we spend the majority of our time in these spaces. The use of stronger, heavier duty locking devices may be a good option for children with strong personal strength. Locks that can’t be seen from the outside of cupboards work well”.

“For children who like to repeat familiar actions such as opening and closing the refrigerator or oven door, simply keep your whitegoods secure with a Refrigerator Lock and an Oven Lock. For busy, agile children who are on the run at home, keep the corners of your furniture, tables, even fish tanks safe and soft, by attaching some Corner Cushions onto sharp edges found in living and kitchen areas in your home.

“Water therapy is wonderful for many AS children – especially at the end of a big day but the bathroom is also an area where extra care and supervision is imperative. Placing Non-Slip Bath Suction Mats on the base of the bath will help prevent slip and slide-type accidents. Also protect your little one bumping into the bath tub spout with a Spout Cover. Another idea is to use a strongly constructed bath seat for smaller children, this is an ideal way for little ones to relax in water, and makes it easier on adults, helping save their backs while having to support a wiggly, wriggly child and trying to bathe them simultaneously. Remember to never leave a child unattended in the bathtub, or even with another child, nothing replaces adult supervision.

“Keep your televisions, home theatre systems and furniture secured down and out of harm’s way. Furniture Straps and Flat Screen TV Savers are invaluable if you have children who like to climb! For larger, more robust children the installation of more than two furniture straps may be necessary,” adds Carolyn. “To prevent doors from slamming, and little fingers getting bruised or broken, simply install an anti-slam device, or a door stopper high up on the door’s edge, out of sight and safely away from curious children too!”

The balcony is another area where diligence is a must. Carolyn advises to remove all outdoor furniture from balconies and verandas, as fearless children may try to mimic their super heroes and “fly”. Carolyn goes onto say, “Outdoor pools are a fabulous resource for children on the Autism Spectrum. Gates must be well secured at all times, be sure the gate is closed tight and locked and never propped open, and again remove furniture from the vicinity of the pool gate and fence area to ensure little skilful climbers do not gain access. Always remember to keep a close eye on all children and toddlers in and around pool and water play areas”, advises Carolyn.

A safety gate in the home is an ideal way to separate pets and children, or to keep little ones out of areas of potential danger, or “kid-free” zones! Dreambaby® has a large range of safety gates for all areas in your home, perfect for babies and toddlers.

Carolyn recommends when you are out and about with your children, be sure they walk with you, not ahead of or behind you, as this may lead to children becoming lost, or disoriented and could potentially ignite personal anxiety. Keep connected to your child by holding hands or with the help of a “Wrist Buddy”, to ensure you can enjoy a gentle way to walk WITH your child. Teaching children from an early age to hold hands with an adult carer or to hold onto a pram handle is also invaluable. Not only is it a lovely way for you and your children to bond, it makes walking a pleasant and healthy experience for everyone. When travelling in the car, a mirror is a positive way to keep an eye on your children while they are in the backseat. A Baby Rear View Mirror is easy to install and remove and gives you the comfort of seeing what may (or may not) be going on in the backseat.

“Caring for young children can be a hard job and even more so when you have a child with special or extra physical or emotional needs. Many people have a lot of advice, especially when children are very young. Take the advice which sits comfortably with you” conclude Carolyn.

For more product information, visit the Dreambaby® web site at www.dreambaby.com.au or call (02) 9386 4000.
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