A Guide to Safety – Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
A Guide to Safety covers a range of topics, including safety network development, prevention and management of wandering and elopement behaviors, relationship, physical, and sexual safety discussion, strategies to address bullying and online threats, and tips on money and workplace safety. The guide can be used independently or as a supplement to a pre-existing safety plan. It is also an excellent tool for developing first responder training programs.
If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Guide, please fill out a request form by clicking “Request a Guide to Safety” located on the main tab of this site. You can also download the guide here.
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Online
Internet Safety: 2014 Resource Guide – Children’s Safety Network
This online resource guide offers links to organizations, programs, and resources that deal with internet safety and other subtopics including: cyberbullying, social networking, sexting, drugs and alcohol, self-harm, and many more. Although the guide is not autism-specific, it contains information that can be used by any family.
Seminar in Crisis Safety for the ASD Population – Autism Society of Wisconsin Webinar Series
This webinar from November 2015 is part of the Autism Society of Wisconsin’s Webinar Series. Scott Fowler, a public education professional and autism parent, shares his expertise on wandering and elopement, school safety, and much more.
The Ultimate Guide to Keeping your Child with Autism Safe
This online guide and infographic reviews best practices for safety in school, at home, and in public. It covers wandering and elopement as well as sexual safety, and describes in detail the steps to making a cohesive safety plan for children and adults with autism.
Crisis Supports for the Autism Community
This online guide was developed to assist crisis center workers in identifying and supporting autistic callers and texters who are in crisis. It was developed by Lisa Morgan in collaboration with the Autism and Suicide committee of the American Association of Suicidology and Common Ground.
Autism Resource for Warning Signs of Suicide: Considerations for the Autism Community
This online guide examines potential warning signs of suicide as they may manifest among autistic individuals. It was developed by Lisa Morgan and Brenna Maddox in collaboration with the Autism and Suicide committee of the American Association of Suicidology.
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Home and Family
Autism Spectrum Disorders and Public Safety Considerations: Guidance for Families, Caregivers, and Self-Advocates – Virginia Public Safety Workgroup
Autism Spectrum Disorders and Public Safety Considerations is a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation by Scott Campbell, autism parent and Executive Director of Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia (POAC-NoVA). The presentation covers safety preparation, emergency assistance, and many other topics. A list of references for this may be found here.
This guide to Sensory-Friendly Home Modifications is a thorough guide of how and why to modify your home in ways that fit the sensory needs of the autistic resident. It considers physical safety as well as other kinds of sensory safety and wellbeing, and it emphasizes making sure that the modifications you make are specifically responsive to the autistic person’s experiences and needs.
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Community and School
Emergency Plan for Students with Special Needs – Marin County School District
This guide outlines Marin County’s emergency plan, with a focus on preparedness, response, and recovery.