Compiled by Veronica Glickman, MA, MS, BCBA
Autism, Behavioral & Educational Services, Inc. (ABES)
and Carolina Arguello, BA
Association for Science in Autism Treatment

Autism Safety ProductsThis list provides examples of the most common types of safety products. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) cited FBI statistics that 365,348 missing children reports were filed in 2020 (n.d., para. 5). Thus, the majority of these safety products are aimed at locating a missing child and preventing this incident. It is not a complete list; and the items here should not be seen as our recommendations. Parents may use this guide as a starting point for determining which products may best suit their needs. For ease of reference, we used broad categories. These include identification products, lock prevention systems, alarms, and locating devices.

Please note that no safety device should be seen as providing 100% security or as a replacement for adult supervision. We also encourage family members to discuss these needs with trained professionals working with their family so that a broader array of skill-building and proactive strategies can be considered.

Identification Products

Identification products, like wristbands, personalized tags, and ID cards provide a simple way to reach an emergency contact. This emergency contact information can be customized to create your child’s unique label. These products can be worn or attached to an item of clothing your child wears daily.

Wristbands: Removable bracelets or bands worn by a child. They can be worn daily, or used when traveling or on outings. Some are designed to be removed by an adult, intending that the child cannot remove it themselves. Some are single-use, and others are reusable.

Shoe Tags: These tags can be secured to your child’s laces for daily wear.

Tattoos and Adhesive Identification: The adhesive identification products can be applied to your child or any item your child will have on their person. Some of these materials are waterproof.

ID Cards: These products are printable photo identification your child can place in a lunch box, backpack or pant pocket.

QR Code Clothing Patches: These patches can be put on your child’s clothing. They are scannable by any mobile device. Once scanned they provide information for others on how to reach you in case of emergency. A stampable QR code is also an alternative method to add QR codes to your child’s items.

Locks

These devices are intended to prevent your child from exiting your home or entering a room with dangers. These locks can also be used when staying in hotels. Locks are useful tools however you should be sure to consult with your local fire department regarding the safety of any lock system you are considering. Seat belt locks provide an extra level of safety when driving with your child. Prior to installation you should consult with your local emergency responders to learn if using such a lock is advised.

Doors (Video and Website): These tools can be used to secure your door from the inside.

Doors and Windows: These locking devices can be utilized to prevent doors from opening which can be a hazard to your child.

Seat Belts: Identification can also be added to seatbelts. Using a seat belt cover you can insert your child’s medical information in case of emergency. A seat belt guard can be used in cars only and they provide an extra level of safety on the road. As mentioned before with any lock you are using check with your local emergency responders to ensure this is a safe tool for your family.

Alarms (Fixed and Wearable)

These are examples of devices attached to an individual that alert the parent of their child’s location. These devices produce an alert to help caregivers locate a child who may be out of sight. These products may be attached to the child’s bookbag, pant, or worn as an accessory. They sound an alarm when a physical barrier or threshold has been crossed. They are to be placed in a fixed location. Alarms provide an immediate alert when your child opens a door or window including alerts for any motion detected towards the door. These systems can also be used in a pool area to detect motion.

Locators

Project Lifesaver: PAL or Freedom4Kids (F4K):These devices alert parents to a safe zone breech and provide GPS location ability.The PAL is a lockable wristwatch, smartphone, and a sized-Base unit for parents. They alert sounds when the wristwatch is separated from the base unit within 150 ft or less. It also includes a panic button and has text and email alert capabilities. Both PAL and F4K are identical, except that the F4K comes in different colors and its panic button can be disabled. These devices also report addresses in areas with no GPS. This device cost $299.00 for the Device and $29.99 Monthly.

Amber Alert GPS:

This device is a pager GPS device that can be put in a holder for wrist, belt, or lanyard use. Texts and emails are created when entering or leaving safe zones exceeding 1,100 Ft. It comes equipped with two-way communication. The device also sends alerts on registered sex offenders, and speed zones. The breadcrumb feature automatically advises about location and the GPS updates every 5 minutes. There is an app available for monitoring the device. The costs are $125.00 for the device and the activation is $18.00 monthly.

My Buddy Tag (Video and Website):

Child “Locator” (Video and Website): These devices provide live GPS location capabilities for quickly locating a wandering child. The teddy bear has the capability to emit a loud sound. The air tag has GPS features that can help you pinpoint the exact location of your child using a smartphone device. The air tag can be inserted into a bracelet strap. The GPS locator watch features a camera equipped for video calling.

Fit Belt

This expandable waist belt is an example of how identification and locators can be held on the child’s body, on or under the clothes.

Final thoughts:

This non-exhaustive list provides information about numerous types of safety products. This article’s goal is to support family members and caregivers when faced with decisions about their child’s safety. Missing children are reported yearly, a shocking 365,348 were reported in 2020 alone, and 421,398 in 2019 according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is vital that preventative measures are taken. One way to find which methods will work best to keep your child safe is to work with your child’s team. Creating a dialogue and plan can ensure safety precautions are taken in every aspect of your child’s daily life. Educators and providers in your child’s life are likely also aiming to protect your child’s safety. When you want to create a safety plan that may be more specific than what other children need, discuss these needs with your child’s team. They can contribute in finding proactive strategies best suited for your child’s and family needs. Please keep in mind that the devices listed above may provide some safety for your child but should never replace adult supervision and the acquisition of needed skills.

References

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (n.d.). Our impact. Retrieved November 13, 2021 from https://www.missingkids.org/ourwork/impact

Citation for this article 

Glickman, V., & Arguello, C. (2021). A non-exhaustive list of safety products. Science in Autism Treatment, 18(12).

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