Safety at home for autistic adults

Creating a safe and secure environment for autistic adults, whether living at home or in a group home or supported living arrangement, means adapting safety measures to fit their unique needs. 

Understanding the specific safety challenges of each individual is crucial. Are they safe when unsupervised? Do they like to run away or wander off? Are they fascinated by traffic or cars? Do they often try to eat things that aren't food? By understanding these specific safety challenges, you can reduce risks and teach safety in a way that is meaningful to them.

Understanding specific risks

Autistic adults might not always perceive danger in the same way others do, especially if they are deeply focused on their activities or have sensory-seeking tendencies. This can lead to unsafe situations or circumstances. Some of the main areas of concern include access to dangerous items or chemicals, fire safety, wandering or absconding (running away), unsecured furniture or items being thrown, medication management, electrical safety, and sensory overwhelm. 

For those living in assisted accommodation, such as supported independent living or specialist accommodation, there are additional challenges to consider. Staff changes can be confusing and unsettling, leading to a lack of consistency in care. This inconsistency can increase anxiety and lead to safety issues. Living with other people who are unfamiliar at first can sometimes result in misunderstandings or conflicts, which can be emotionally distressing and potentially lead to physical harm. Recognising these risks is essential to creating a safe and supportive living environment for autistic adults with high support needs.

Practical safety measures at home

• Use visual aides: Label items around the home to help individuals recognise them easily. For example, use stickers or labels on dangerous items to indicate they are not to be touched.
• Establish clear boundaries: Use visuals like stop signs on doors leading outside or to areas like staircases. Floor tape can also visually mark areas that are off-limits.
• Minimise clutter: Keeping things organised can help provide a safer environment.‍
• Wandering/absconding: Secure doors and windows with safety locks and install alarms to alert if doors or windows are opened.‍
• Protect against hazards: Cover sharp corners with padding, secure electrical outlets, and use gates or barriers to block access to dangerous areas.‍
• Store dangerous items safely: Keep potentially dangerous items like knives, matches, medications and cleaning chemicals in locked cabinets or on high shelves.‍
• Fire safety: Teach about fire hazards (like matches, lighters, and stoves) and what to do in case of a fire. This includes understanding the sound of smoke alarms and knowing evacuation routes.‍
• Secure furniture: Secure furniture to the wall or floor and store appealing items out of sight to prevent climbing, potential falls, or tipping.‍
• Quiet areas: Set up a quiet area in the home where individuals can go if they are feeling overwhelmed. ‍
• Soft flooring and furniture: Use carpets or foam mats to cushion falls and opt for furniture with rounded corners and soft materials to minimise injury.‍
• Clear clutter: Keep floors and walkways clear to reduce the risk of tripping and create a calmer environment.

Preparing for emergencies

• Practice emergency routines: Conduct regular drills so everyone knows how to exit safely during a fire or other emergencies.
• Display emergency contacts: Post emergency numbers in several prominent places and save them in mobile phones. Consider giving wearable IDs with contact information.
• Know your neighbours: Ensure that neighbours or nearby residents know your family member, particularly if they might wander or seek out hazardous areas like pools.

Safety in supported living 

For autistic adults living in supported or specialised accommodation, there are additional safety measures you can implement to improve safety 

• ‘About me’ profile: Provide a one page profile to the accommodation provider which includes details about the individual’s likes, dislikes, interests, sensory sensitivities, triggers and any other helpful information. 
• Personal safety plans: Each individual should have a personalised safety plans that suits their unique needs and preferences.
• Secure environment: Ensure that the whole building is equipped with secure locks, alarm systems, and clear, easily understood signage.‍
• Consistent routines: Establish and maintain consistent daily routines to provide structure and predictability.‍
• Communication tools: Ask staff to use alternative communication tools such as visuals or apps to improve communication‍
• Emergency procedures: Ensure that all individuals are familiar with emergency procedures and understand what to do in an emergency.‍
• Buddy system: Suggest implementing a buddy system where residents check on each other regularly.‍
• Staff training: Ensure staff are trained in autism-specific safety protocols, including recognising and responding to signs of distress or potential hazards.