National Autism Association of North Texas

08/20/2025

We had a wonderful morning at the John Paul II High School Volunteer Fair! We love our buddy volunteers and can’t wait to have them at our upcoming events💙.

08/02/2025

Kindness always...

07/28/2025

It's been a devastating weekend for the community. Vacations, family gatherings & moving to a new home can increase the risk of fatality. Stay extra hyper-vigilant during these times & always

07/24/2025

Neither should ever be disciplined or punished. Compassion always...

07/20/2025

Always. ❤️

07/15/2025

From trains and dinosaurs to maps, Legos, animation, even office supplies, unique & passionate interests can be incredibly valuable for those with .

07/06/2025

🌊Sensory-Friendly Water Park Day is coming up on July 11 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.!

As part of our Play For All initiative, we’re creating a calmer, more welcoming space at the Frisco Athletic Center Water Park for individuals with sensory sensitivities. The park will open early with no background music and a limited capacity of 250 guests to play. This special time is designed for all guests to enjoy the water at their own pace.

🎟️ Secure your spot in advance and skip the wait!

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07/06/2025

07/04/2025

For parties, visits, BBQ's or outings at parks, beaches, or water parks, assign one adult per child. Stay extra hypervigilant. Take turns on a rotation so no child goes unsupervised. Other tips & tool recommendations from NAA include:

- Door & Window Alarms: Install in non-home settings (rentals, grandma's house, etc.) to alert you if your child exits unexpectedly. Available at Lowe's, Walmart, etc.

- Visual Safety Aids: Stop signs, boundary markers, and social stories help reinforce limits.

- USCG-Approved Life Jackets: Essential when near pools, lakes, or water features -- even if your child isn’t planning to swim.

- Portable Baby Monitors: Use them in vacation rentals or places you're visiting.

- Door-Use Policy: Choose one exit/entrance for consistency and safety. Keep all other doors locked at all times.

- Avoid Places Near Murky Water: When choosing a staycation spot, BBQ area, park, or last-minute rental, opt for one that does not have ponds, canals, or other murky bodies of water nearby, especially if they’re highly visible.

- 'Spot the Blue’: Use Google Maps to check for ponds, canals, or pools near your destination. Make note of these, and search the closest water first if your child goes missing.

- Alert Others: Whether it’s a lifeguard, park attendant, or party attendees, introduce your child and inform them of possible triggers or bolting behaviors.

- Be Cautious: Pools or parks that are fenced may have gaps or unlatched gates. Always keep eyes on your child, a fence is only one layer of protection.

- If Your Child Goes Missing: Call 911 immediately and always search nearby water first. Every second counts.

Tools to get for later if you don't have them now:

- Wearable Identification: An ID bracelet or shoe tag with your contact info is essential.

- GPS Tracking Devices: Tools like AngelSense can help locate your child quickly if they wander.

- A Big Red Safety Box from NAA: bigredsafetybox.com (Available in English & Spanish) -- they contain some of the tools mentioned above.

07/04/2025

So many brave someones! ❤️ Have a Happy 4th of July, everyone!

06/19/2025

On Friday, another wandering death occurred at a resort near Disney. Parents, we must add another 'extra' to our vigilance if we travel. Hotels, resorts, and unfamiliar settings significantly increase the wandering risk for children with autism.