Autism Journeys: Safety!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Safety!

The best way to keep your child safe is by taking preventative measures. Consider these options:

Education - Teach your child his/her personal information (name, number, address, parents' names) and about safety rules.
Wearable identification - Not all children are at the point where they can memorize personal information or understand safety rules. An alternative is some sort of identification (bracelets, shoe tags, temporary tattoos).
Tracking devices - You can check with local law enforcement for Project Lifesaver or Lojack SafetyNet services. These devices are worn on either the wrist or ankle and use radio frequency or GPS systems are also available.
Secure Your Home - There are safety precautions you can take at home, such as installing 2-sided deadbolts, a home alarm system, battery-operated door and window alarms and out-of-reach door latches. If you have a backyard make sure there is a well-built fence so your child can't escape. Print out stop signs and put them on exits (exterior doors, windows, gates).

Teach Your Child to Swim - This is a great precaution if your child's wandering occurs around water. There are many locations that have swimming lessons specifically for children with special needs.

Alert Neighbors - Introduce your child to your neighbors. Give them your child's personal information. Ask them to alerte you if they see your child unaccompanied outside of the home.

Be prepared with key information before an incident occurs. Taking precautions and being prepared are key in keeping your child safe.

Sarah Huntsman

Autism Journeys Intervention Specialist

for more information, check out:

awaare.org

autismriskmanagement.com

autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-safety-project

mypreciouskid.com

tattooswithapurpose.com

medicalert.org 

projectlifesaver.org

lojacksafetynet.com

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Ms. Gamee goes to the Dentist

A client at Autism Journeys has a difficult time at the dentist. My co-workers thought maybe having me by her side would ease a bit of the anxiety. Since I’ve never been to a dentist’s office, Mom thought it best to test my skills out with her own children first.

Jordan, Carter, Mom and I went to the dentist on Wednesday. Jordan has always struggled to remain calm at the dentist. Usually, he needs laughing gas just to get his teeth cleaned. This was to be Carter’s first “real” visit. This was my chance to show Mom how I can help.

Jordan and Carter were nervous when we arrived at the dentist. But once we walked through the doors everyone in the lobby was ooing and awing over me and how adorable I am. When it was our turn, Jordan and Carter were both eager to take me to meet the rest of the dentist’s team.

Mom had me get up in the chair with Jordan. Jordan was still nervous, but was very preoccupied by me. He played with my ears and rubbed my head throughout the entire cleaning. I rested on his chest to provide him some deep pressure comfort. No tears and no laughing gas! It was over very quickly. Mom and the dentist were so proud of Jordan. Most importantly, Jordan was really proud of himself.

After Jordan, it was Carter’s turn. After seeing me with Jordan, Carter decided he wanted me on the chair with him too. At first, Carter was nervous when the instruments made those high pitch sounds. I could sense he was starting to wiggle, so I gently crept up a little higher on his chest to help hold him steady. It worked. He relaxed, opened his mouth and was able to tune out the remaining sound with headphones.

As for me, I quite enjoyed all the attention. The noises didn’t bother me a bit. The yummy smells of bubblegum and strawberries were quite interesting, but I think I’ll stick to my poultry flavored toothpaste at home. When we were all finished, the dentist offered me a job. Mom said I passed the test with flying colors. I am now available to accompany any clients to the dentist. If you want me to join you at your next visit talk to my Mom, Kate.

Here’s to a healthy and happy smile.

Woof Woof,

Ms. Gamee

Ms. Gamee's Gab

Holy cow! Or in my case, holy dog! What a crazy couple weeks I’ve had. Life in the spotlight is ruff. Each week I’ve been able to meet more of the families who visit Autism Journeys. It’s been fun to try new things with each of them. One of my favorites is playing fetch. Sometimes the kids are learning to take turns, and other times they’re working on speech and communication. Mom says I’m doing a wonderful job being patient and waiting for the kids to give me commands. One of my other favorites has been going on walks. It’s been so nice to get outside and take in the fresh air. Being traced with sidewalk chalk was fun too.

BBQ GAMES

That said, it was the older, more mature (aka trained) dogs like myself that won all the games. I came in second in the musical hula-hoops. It’s musical chairs but with hula-hoops. When the music stopped the dogs had to sit in the hoop. After musical hula-hoops we played wet t-shirt relay races. I must say I don’t really understand what the point of the race was, other then to embarrass all the dogs. Personally, I don’t get it, but Mom and my brothers, along with all the other people sure got a big kick out of it. Apparently dogs in wet t-shirts are adorable.