Center for Disability Resources (CDR) : Autism Society, New Safety Tool

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Autism Society, New Safety Tool

This August, we highlight National Make-A-Will Month, back-to-school routine planning and socialization resources, and school safety.

As Halloween approaches—a time filled with costumes, decorations, and trick-or-treating—safety is top of mind, especially for families with children on the Autism spectrum. To help make this season safer and more enjoyable, the Autism Society of America is excited to announce our partnership with Verizon, featuring the Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure, a kid-friendly smartwatch designed to help keep your loved ones safe and foster independence.

As many in our community know, wandering and elopement are significant concerns, with children and people with Autism being four times more likely to wander than their neurotypical peers. Verizon’s Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure provides an extra layer of security with features like real-time location tracking, geofencing alerts, and easy communication tools that allow loved ones to stay connected.

After a week-long trial, two Autism Society families shared their experiences using the Gizmo Watch 3 – Adventure and highlighted these key features:

Real-time location tracking and geofencing alerts to help monitor your child’s whereabouts—especially useful for trick-or-treating.

Messaging and speech-to-text capabilities to stay connected without the need for a smartphone.

Routine-building tools like timers and checklists to support independence and daily activities.

Step counters and jump timers to encourage physical activity, especially important for children with Autism.

A durable and scratch-resistant design with a diamond-like carbon coating that stands up to active kids and is comfortable for those with sensory sensitivities.

You can check out the full article here, along with the testimony directly from your care givers.

In addition to using tools like the Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure, we want to share some best practices for making Halloween a positive experience for children and adults with Autism:

Prepare Early: Explain what Halloween involves using visuals and practice activities like wearing costumes or knocking on doors to reduce anxiety.
Choose Sensory-Friendly Costumes: Opt for comfortable, soft costumes and allow your child to try them on beforehand. Have an extra change of clothes ready in case they become overwhelmed.
Be Mindful of Sensory Sensitivities: Avoid loud noises or flashing lights when trick-or-treating. Bring noise-cancelling headphones if needed and choose quieter routes or events.
Use Safety Tools for Wandering: Consider using GPS devices like the Gizmo Watch 3 to track your child’s location.
Offer Alternatives: If trick-or-treating is overwhelming, consider participating in smaller, sensory-friendly events or offering fun alternatives at home, like Halloween-themed crafts or movies.

By preparing in advance and utilizing tools like the Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure, you can ensure that Halloween is a fun, safe, and inclusive experience for your family. To learn more about the Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure and how it can help your family this Halloween, click here for more information.