04/24/2026
AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH, Day 24-ID KITS & GPS MONITORING FOR SAFETY
Yesterday we learned about elopement, and just how dangerous it can be for vulnerable populations like children with autism. The thought of any child going missing is scary, but when it comes to a nonverbal child going missing there is even more to worry about. They may not be able to identify themselves, call out for help by traditional means and may also be adverse to approaching someone they don’t know- even when they are scared, hurt or lost!
Tomorrow at our community event, Martinsville VA Police Department will be onsite making FREE CHILD ID KITS and the Martinsville Sheriff's Office will be onsite helping folks fill out applications for a FREE ANGEL SENSE GPS tracking device! Please come and take advantage of these valuable resources if your child needs them!
In addition, here are a few ways to decrease the risk of elopement- and what to do first if it happens!
1. Add locks to exterior doors that children cannot reach or manipulate
2. Consider an inexpensive camera system link Blink, that can be programmed to send an audible alert to your phone anytime there is motion near exterior doors. Even cheaper-door and window alarms sold on Amazon and at most major retailers. These omit a shrill noise anytime a window or door is opened when installed properly.
3. If you need to leave your home for shopping, errands or other appts. Dress your child in brightly
colored clothes (taking note of what they are wearing that day) so that they are easier to spot in a crowded area.
4. If the child breaks away from you and elopes- STAY CALM- don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help from bystanders in keeping your child in sight until you can catch up with them.
5. HAVE A PLAN for what you will do if your child does go missing. CALL 911 immediately and be ready to share details like the last place they were seen, their age and physical description, and what they are wearing. BE SURE emergency personnel know that your child is autistic and if he or she is verbal, may not follow commands or answer questions, avoidant to physical touch, etc. There is strength in numbers and the more people you can enlist in your immediate search, the better!
We pray that no parent/caregiver ever has to go through these scenarios, but we can’t always stop these things from happening! Instead, let’s all bring awareness on how we can be as safe as possible and how we can best react in an emergency so that children stay as safe as possible💙🫶🏼💙🫶🏼
AngelSense assistive technology for autism and special needs kids, adults, and seniors. Designed for your loved one’s safety and independence.
