Important Safety Skills to Teach an Autistic Child Before an Emergency

Safety skills are easier to learn before a stressful situation happens. Practice simple, concrete responses such as “stop,” “wait,” “come back,” “stay with me,” and “get help.” Use visual supports, repeat the skills in real-life settings, and keep teaching calm and positive. Environmental safeguards such as locks, alarms, identification information, and close supervision may still be needed even as skills improve. Safety teaching should build confidence, not fear.