Updated by Sunita Chhatwani, MSc, MEd
Association for Science in Autism Treatment

The Association for Science in Autism Treatment first shared information about the September 26th Project in 2021. Today, the need for thoughtful emergency preparedness and safety planning remains just as important. We are publishing this updated overview of the September 26th Project, an initiative created in memory of Feda Almaliti and her son, Muhammed, to help autistic individuals and their families better prepare for emergencies and develop practical safety plans.

Prior to sharing information about this incredible project, it’s important to offer some background on the National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA). This non-profit organization was established in 2018 to address the complex needs of individuals most profoundly affected by autism and other developmental disabilities, as well as the families who care for them. Our readers may recall that we recently published an article on profound autism and are featuring the internal hashtag #ProfoundAutism on our website.

NCSA’s mission centers on advancing recognition of, and support for, those situated at the severe end of the autism spectrum—individuals who typically require continuous, intensive assistance due to significant cognitive and functional impairments. According to the NCSA, this population remains insufficiently represented in prevailing public discourse, policy development, and service planning related to autism.

The NCSA directs its efforts toward this underserved segment of the autism population, working to build greater capacity by increasing the availability of specialized resources, and supports, developing a stronger infrastructure of programs, trained professionals and placements tailored to individuals with severe autism. With a strong commitment to improving long‑term quality of life for people with severe autism, the organization actively disseminates information, educates communities and policymakers, raises awareness and acceptance, and supports research. Its initiatives span a comprehensive website, a blog, and dozens of webinars. In addition, the NCSA has developed position statements that champion practical, realistic, and thoughtful solutions to the pressing concerns affecting this group. They conducted their first policy summit in March 2021, providing a platform for various experts to discuss autism policy and services. I encourage you to take a few moments to review their website and follow them on Facebook, blog and X. You can also checkout their launched YouTube Channel that has over 100 videos.

Approximately five years ago, under the NCSA’s sponsorship, The September 26th Project was launched with the collective efforts of various autism and disability organizations. This annual emergency preparedness checkup for autism and the families of individuals with special needs families was created in the loving memory of Feda Almaliti, an autism advocate, and her son Mu (Muhammed), who both perished in a tragic fire on September 26, 2020, in California. The goal of the September 26th Project is to develop and disseminate information about safety protocols to be used in an emergency. To achieve this goal the NCSA has created a comprehensive resource in the form of three simple, quick, easy-to-use safety-related checklists that may prevent similar tragedies.

The checklists featured below were developed by Kelly Bermingham, a board-certified behavior analyst, with the goal of supporting families in planning, executing and rehearsing steps to take in case of an emergency. Each individual checklist is described in detail and includes links to other relevant resources, which are available as a free download from the website.

  • The Fire Safety Checklist provides important information on the installation and monitoring of fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers. Recommendations include planning two exits out of the home, inviting families to consider having individuals with disabilities sleeping on the ground floors, preventing the spread of fire by closing doors, identifying a meeting place in the event of fire, and having a laminated/fire-resistant personal information document ready.

In addition to promoting fire safety practices in the home, this page also recommends visits to neighborhood fire stations and how to register the family with the local firehouse, so they are aware of your situation when responding to an alarm at your address.

  • The Natural Disaster Checklist provides valuable information about securing essential medical documents safely in fire/floodproof locations or saving the information electronically. It is further recommended that a disaster supply kit also be readily accessible if evacuation is needed. Recommendations include being prepared to live at home without power, keeping an emergency contact list, having a phone tree plan ready to call, and planning a safe meeting place if you become separated. The checklist also suggests learning about your rights regarding natural disasters, knowing the location of your assigned local evacuation/shelter, and inquiring in advance how they can best provide for individuals on the autism spectru
  • The Wandering Prevention Checklist provides important information regarding keeping the home and the yard safe and secure. Recommendations include having a locating device (e.g., GPS) or using ID bracelets and considering teaching people with disabilities to swim. Additionally, families should log wandering/elopement attempts to gather information on locations and potential reasons that can be critical in planning prevention andregister with local first responders to share information about the family member.

Each year on September 26th, the Project reaches out across all its social media platforms (Facebook, X, blog and YouTube Channel), to encourage families to revisit their emergency plans and ensure every item on their checklist is complete. The message is simple:10 minutes of preparation a year can protect the people who matter most.

We urge you to work closely with your team and the families with whom you have contact to target numerous, varied safety skills highlighted on September 26.org. Like with every important skill, intervention efforts should aim for proficiency and carryover, requiring very systematic teaching and individualized task analyses to achieve the desired outcomes.

As this resource is expanded upon both with respect to breadth and depth, ASAT may continue to share details with our readers. In the meantime, please take a few moments to learn more about Feda and her son Muhammed, tributes here. Finally, we would like to invite our readers to peruse our numerous ASAT’s reviews, resources, and articles related to the safety concerns listed below.

Citation for this article:

Chhatwani, S. (2026). The September 26th Project: Turning tragedy into action. Science in Autism Treatment, 23(9).

Related Clinical Corner Articles:

Related ASAT Articles and Reviews:

Related Media Corner Letters:

#Community #FirstResonders #Home #OtherFamilyMembers #Parents #ProfoundAutism #Safety #SocialWorkers

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