Current research has shown that about 1 in every 54 children born in the US has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Often, parents take on some extra stressors when it comes to raising an autistic child. A medical alert system such as a tag, bracelet, or necklace could greatly assist children with autism.
How Medical Alert Systems Could Improve Autism Parenting
Today we will look at ways a medical alert system could help improve autism parenting.
Elopement
Often, autistic children can be impulsive and prone to wandering. They wander from an environment they find frightening. Such as places with bright lights or loud noise. They can also elope from a safe setting, following something that seems to be attractive to them. This can be anything – such as train tracks, seeing a small animal, or even water.
A medical alert system, such as a bracelet, is essential to help children return to their families ASAP. The company which produces it usually has the parent’s contact details in their database. This makes bringing them back to their worried families easier and faster.
Check out some medical alert reviews to help you determine which system is the most suitable for your needs.
Emergency Contact and Medical Information
Emergencies can happen to anyone – that’s how life works. Most people would probably go to the ER, and a few moments later, they would already be out the door.
However, with autistic children, the matter is much more complicated. They usually have trouble communicating and expressing what they feel. As many as 40% of autistic children are nonverbal all the time. This stat doesn’t include those who go mute with strong emotions such as anxiety or fear.
In an emergency, a medical ID will alert the emergency team that they are taking care of an autistic child. This will make it easier for them to act accordingly. It will also show them crucial information regarding that particular person. This can be information such as calming strategies, allergies, de-escalation techniques, medications, and other details useful for first-time responders.
A medical ID also makes it possible to avoid conducting a series of medical screenings on unconscious people arriving at the hospital. It contains all the information the medical professionals might need.
Communication Problem
A medical ID can be a great communication tool for autistic children who become overwhelmed by sensory stimulation in an emergency.
Medical alert systems indicate who to call in case of an emergency. It also informs first responders about special needs or allergies the child has. Knowing this helps relieve the minds of parents, caregivers, and the rest of the family.
Furthermore, children with autism may face other health problems such as cognitive disorders, delayed developmental milestones, and a lack of awareness of danger. Therefore, parents or caregivers need to do their best to educate them.
A great source of information is websites dedicated to autism parenting advice. They are full of tips regarding taking care of a child with autism. Parents often write them about autistic children or autistic adults. This helps parents read the articles and understand they are not alone in this journey.
What to Put On Your Autism Alert System
Wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace can greatly help first-time responders during an emergency. However, it needs to contain all the critical information to do that.
Make sure the engraving is legible enough and precise to understand. Here are some of the vital information to engrave on the autism medical ID:
- Wearer’s name – preferably, this should be the wearer’s name and would most likely respond to. The name will tell the first responders how to address the autistic person.
- Diagnosis – include information about the condition or special consideration, if there is any (for example, if the autistic person is Aspergian or non-verbal)
- Other medical conditions – any other health condition, whether or not autism related, such as seizures or epilepsy.
- Any medications that the person is taking
- Emergency contact numbers
Conclusion
As we can see, it’s a good idea to equip autistic children with a medical alert system. If something happens, the parents can locate their child much faster. It will also give them peace of mind that whoever takes care of it has all the information needed.