Seatbelt Houdini
Some youngsters with autism are escape artists who can unbuckle a seatbelt or open a car door in the twinkling of an eye. What are our options when a youngster with autism is as skilled as Houdini, making it difficult for him to ride safely in a car?
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Unsafe behaviors in a car or school bus must be addressed. First, let’s look at the catalysts for escaping seatbelts, opening car doors, grabbing the steering wheel, and other potentially dangerous behaviors. Tactile sensitivities related to autism can make seatbelts and other safety restraints very uncomfortable or even intolerable. Even when sensory issues are not a factor, some youngsters with autism are intent on escaping from their seatbelt or car safety seat. Whether the behavior stems from boredom, sensory factors, disobedience, mischievousness, or an obsession with escaping, we need to take steps to ensure the safety of the youngster and the other people in the car.
Escaping from seatbelts and carseats is a significant safety issue. The families of several friends with autism have found childproof seatbelt locks work very well, even for teenage escape artists.
Distraction is a strategy that works for some “Houdini wanna-bes.” Keep a car kit handy with a snack and a favorite toy, book, video game, DVD player, or other interesting activities to keep your youngster occupied when riding in a car.
Over the years, a number of parents have expressed their concern about their child’s fascination with opening doors of a moving car. Some cars are now equipped with a mechanism for keeping doors locked when the car is in motion. If your car does not have this feature, you must take steps to prevent your youngster from opening a car door. Until his arms are long enough to reach the door from the middle of the car, put him in a securely locked seatbelt in the middle of the back seat. Sitting in the back seat also prevents most individuals from grabbing the steering wheel and from distracting the driver by biting, scratching, or pulling the driver’ hair.
Some youngsters require a car partner – someone to ride along to monitor behavior so the driver can concentrate on driving. This seems like a rather extreme option, but is necessary if, in spite of your best efforts, your friend with autism throws items, escapes seatbelts, opens doors, or otherwise compromises his own safety or the safety of others in the car or school bus.
Tip for the Day: Car safety is one issue that needs immediate attention. Tackle the issue now. Better safe than sorry.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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