The Basics of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Training Series

RAAC Training Committee

Child Care Training Series Modules

Module One: Autism Defined, Autism Prevalence and Primary Characteristics

Module Two: Early Signs of Autism

Module Three: Physical Characteristics of Autism

Module Four: Cognition and Learning in Autism

Module Five: Autism and Sensory Differences

Module Six: Communication and Autism

Child Care Training Series Modules

Module Seven: Behavior Challenges and Autism

Module Eight: Understanding Behavior in Children with Autism

Module Nine: Functional Behavior Assessment

Module Ten: Autism and Play Skills to Teach

Module Eleven: Safety and AutismModule Eleven: Safety and Autism

SafetyEmergencies:

Because children with ASD can look like everyone else, police and other emergency responders may expect answers to questions that the child is not able to give (for example, giving their name).

Some behaviors can be misunderstood.

Safety

Emergencies:Because children with ASD may have low muscle

tone, emergency responders should never restrain the child by placing on his/her stomach. This type of restraint has caused death.

Safety

Dangerous situations:The child may be drawn to materials such as

matches and other dangerous items. Wandering off may be a problem. The child may not know how to move around in

traffic, such as safely crossing the street.The child may not understand the danger of going

off with a stranger.

Big Idea

A child with ASD may not recognize a dangerous situation.

Safety Strategies

Get to know the neighbors.

Get to know nearby public safety agencies,

police, fire department, and other emergency responders.

If staff is in the community with a child with ASD, they should carry/wear identification.

Safety StrategiesIdentification

The child with ASD should carry identification at all times.

The child should wear a medical alert bracelet/Identification bracelet.

Identification information should say that the child may not be able to speak or may be too frightened to answer questions in an emergency.

Safety and ASD:Strategies to Share with

FamiliesAt home, door alarms may be helpful to make sure

the child doesn’t leave the house without your knowledge.

If the child with ASD has dietary restrictions, refrigerator locks and cabinet locks may be needed.

Removable stove knobs may be helpful if the child with ASD isn’t aware of the danger of burning themselves.

Cleaning supplies and other dangerous products need to be locked up.

Safety and ASD: In the Community

Autism decals for car windows are available to make sure that in case of an emergency, responders know that there is a passenger with ASD in the vehicle.

(contact www.autismcincy.org).

Many children with ASD are attracted to water. Swimming lessons are helpful to make sure the child is water safe.

Behavior and SafetyWhen possible, be prepared for situations that

could lead to behavior difficulties.

Know the early signs of a problem behavior.

Have a plan for when problems occur.

Get to know the people who work in the places you go to frequently in the community so they can be helpful in an emergency.

Big Idea

Get to know the warning signs of a behavior problem so that little problems do not become big ones.