Safety in the community for autistic adults

Safety in the community is an important consideration for individuals with autism and their families.

There are many unpredictable and uncontrollable situations in public settings, so careful planning is necessary to help protect autistic adults.

Some of the common safety risks include wandering, difficulties with communication and a lack of awareness about potential dangers. So, how can we address these and help keep individuals safe?

Develop a safety plan

Creating a detailed, individualised safety plan is important. This plan should involve everyone in a person’s network, including support workers, neighbours, caregivers, friends, and extended family members. Here are some important aspects to consider:

Assessing risks and communication

Regularly assess the environments where the individual spends time outside of their home. This could include day programs, community activities, recreational settings and even the workplace. Identify potential hazards and risks, and these might change over time. If your autistic person is non verbal, it’s also helpful to ensure they always have some form of identification with contact information, such as a bracelet or a tag on their clothing.

Make sure everyone understands their communication style and preferences. Are they verbal or non-verbal? Do they respond to particular signs or gestures? Do they need visual cues? Having this information will help anyone who is supporting your autistic person to have clear and effective communication, and reduce miscommunication.

Engaging the community

Involving the community is a big step towards safety. Educate neighbours and local community members about the individual’s behaviours and how they can assist. Let them know about any specific safety concerns and how they can help in case of an emergency.

Coordination with emergency services

Sharing information with local emergency services is critical. Provide detailed information about the individual’s needs and behaviours to police, fire departments, and medical services. This can include how to communicate effectively with the person and any special considerations they might need to be aware of. It should also include any specific triggers to avoid, or methods to help calm a person down. 

Safety measures in various environments

Apply practical safety measures in the environments the individual frequently visits. This can include visual cues, securing areas, and using alarms or safety gates where necessary. Simple adjustments can make a big difference in ensuring a safe space.

Ensuring safety in day programs and community activities

Day programs and community activities offer great opportunities for social interaction and personal growth. However, it’s essential to ensure safety during these activities.

Understanding individual needs

Each individual with autism is unique. Understanding their preferences, triggers, and communication styles is essential. Provide detailed information to service providers and support workers and communicate regularly to ensure they are kept current and working effectively.

Clear communication

Using simple, direct language and visual aids can significantly improve understanding. Support workers should avoid jargon or nicknames for things. They should also check in regularly to confirm that the individual feels comfortable and understands what’s happening.

Respecting personal boundaries

Respecting personal boundaries is vital. Support workers should be trained to recognise and respect these boundaries, fostering an environment of trust and respect. Autistic individuals should feel empowered to express their comfort levels regarding physical space and touch, and they need to have the tools to ensure they can communicate their preferences. 

Emergency protocols

Day programs and community activities should have extensive and clear emergency protocols in place. Support workers should be familiar with these protocols and know how to implement them efficiently. This includes knowing the location of emergency exits, first aid kits, and how to contact emergency services if necessary. Parents/carers should have clear visibility of these protocols and any changes that are made. Work with your service provider to ensure autistic individuals understand and can follow these protocol. Practice, practice, practice. 

Encouraging independence

While safety is a priority, it’s equally important to encourage independence where possible. Autistic individuals should be supported to participate in activities at their own pace and have a choice about how they spend their time. This builds a sense of independence and self-confidence, contributing to their overall wellbeing.

Practical safety tips for community settings

Community settings can be unfamiliar and present various safety challenges. Implementing practical strategies can help keep individuals with autism safe. Here are some tips:

Knowing your neighbours

Keep neighbours informed about the individual’s behaviours and potential safety risks. This helps build a supportive community network.

Engaging with emergency services

Introduce the individual to local police, fire, and EMS personnel. This helps emergency responders understand the individual’s needs and how to interact with them effectively during emergencies.

Using safety products

Consider using wearable identification products and tracking devices. These can help monitor and locate individuals if they wander, providing peace of mind for caregivers.

Planning public outings

Communicate plans and rules before going out to help manage expectations and behaviour in public settings. This preparation can make outings smoother and safer.

Using technology

Employ monitoring technologies to keep track of the individual, especially if they have a tendency to wander. These tools can be invaluable in ensuring safety.

Strategies for parents and carers

Parents and carers play a vital role in ensuring their autistic person’s safety. 

Recognising triggers

Identify what triggers wandering or unsafe behaviours to better prevent these situations. Understanding these triggers is key to managing them effectively.

Teaching safety skills

Focus on teaching simple safety skills and reinforcing them regularly. Social stories and visual cues can be an excellent tool for teaching critical safety knowledge, such as road safety and stranger danger.

Preparing for emergencies

Regularly practice emergency drills with the individual and family members. Ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency, reinforcing this learning with positive reinforcement techniques.

Liaising with law enforcement

Introduce your autistic person to local police and provide detailed information about their behaviours and needs. This prepares officers to interact effectively with them if needed.

Creating an action plan

Ensure all caregivers have a list of important contacts in case of an emergency. This includes family, neighbours, and support workers.