- GPS Tracking Devices: For children who may be at risk of wandering, a GPS tracking device can be a lifesaver. Worn as a watch or clipped onto clothing, these devices allow you to monitor your child’s location through your smartphone. Some models also offer geofencing, alerting you if your child leaves a designated safe area.
- Door and Window Alarms: Place alarms on doors and windows to alert you when they’re opened. These alarms can help prevent accidental wandering and can be especially helpful during nighttime hours when you might not hear movement. Some systems even integrate with smartphones to send notifications in real-time.
- Toilet Seat Locks: Curious kids may find toilets an interesting place to explore, but they can pose a drowning risk. Toilet seat locks are easy to install and can prevent your child from lifting the seat on their own. Always teach your child which areas of the bathroom are safe and supervised to use.
- Home Security Door Locks: Install childproof locks on exterior doors. Special locks, like top-mount door locks, can be installed out of a child’s reach, ensuring that only adults can unlock and open the door. This setup can prevent your child from wandering outdoors unsupervised.
- Corner and Edge Bumpers: Many children with autism engage in high-energy play or sensory-seeking behaviors, which can sometimes lead to accidents. Soft bumpers on sharp furniture corners or edges reduce the risk of injury if your child bumps into them during play.
- Stove and Appliance Guards: Kids may be naturally curious about the kitchen, but it’s also one of the most hazardous areas in the home. Consider using stove knob covers or appliance guards to prevent children from accidentally turning on burners or accessing hot surfaces.
Creating a Safe Home Environment: Combining ABA Strategies and Safety Accessories
A safe home environment for your child combines both teaching them safe behavior and securing the physical environment. Here’s how to combine both:
- Teach First, Reinforce Often: Use ABA techniques to explain and demonstrate each safety rule, such as waiting for an adult before going outside or staying away from certain appliances. Reinforce these behaviors with praise or other rewards.
- Use Visual Reminders: Visual cues, such as “stop” signs on doors, can act as reminders and cues for safe behavior.
- Prevent Wandering: If your child has a tendency to wander, use GPS tracking, alarms, and door locks to ensure they remain safely inside the home.
- Supervise High-Risk Areas: Supervise and secure high-risk areas, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and windows, using locks, alarms, or other protective barriers.
How ALON Behavior Consulting Can Help
At ALON Behavior Consulting, we understand that each child is unique, and our BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) work closely with families to create individualized plans tailored to your child’s specific needs. Our team can conduct home assessments to identify potential safety concerns and develop targeted safety protocols. We incorporate ABA strategies that are not only effective but are also designed with your child’s comfort and well-being in mind.
If you have questions or would like support creating a safe home environment, please contact ALON Behavior Consulting. Our goal is to support your family in building a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for your child.
