Preventing Drowning Incidents in Children with Autism

Summer is supposed to be a time of fun and relaxation for families, but tragically, it can turn deadly for children with autism who wander away from home and end up drowning. In the last three months, there have been three heartbreaking incidents in the Houston area involving children with autism who lost their lives in this way.

In the most recent case on Sunday, Sept. 22, a 5-year-old boy in Cypress was found in a retention pond after going missing near Fry Road and West Road, as reported by Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. Similarly, a 7-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool in the Humble area on Sept. 18, and a 12-year-old girl in Fulshear was pulled from a neighborhood lake on June 18.

According to the National Autism Association, children with autism are at a significantly higher risk of drowning due to their attraction to water without the ability to swim. As a parent of a child with autism, it’s crucial to implement multiple layers of safety measures to prevent such tragedies.

Water Safety Tips for Children with Autism

• Children with autism may be drawn to water regardless of temperature or type.
• Use social stories and visual schedules to educate them about water safety and trusted adults.
• Prevent wandering by using locks, fences, alarms, and bracelets.
• Teach your child how to swim, but still maintain vigilant supervision.
• If you have a pool, ensure it is properly fenced and secured.
• Inform neighbors about your child’s tendencies and safety precautions.
• In case of a missing child, always search near water first.

Join us at the #SpreadLoveWithLocks event in Richmond, where we will be giving away free locks to parents or caregivers of children with autism to help prevent wandering incidents. Remember, prevention and education are key to keeping our children safe. Let’s work together to protect our loved ones and prevent such heartbreaking accidents.

Source: Autism Speaks