Lost and, Very Hopefully, Found
August 4, 2008 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
Reading another account of an autistic child, 11-year-old Alex Irvin, who found his way back to trailhead after three nights alone in the woods, I think back to the numerous stories about autistic children lost, wandering off, left behind that have been circulating this summer and conclude, I know why an autism consultant to Charlie’s school district talked about teaching kids to know when they are lost, and to know what to do (and what not to).
You’ve got to know you’re lost first, so you can look for help.
The whole topic is one of my biggest fears – I also blogged on this topic tonight.
Because we had an incident where my son got out (naked) and thankfully was quickly recovered thanks to a neighbor. I have since enrolled him in Project Lifesaver – what a worthy program.
A friend has her son in Project Lifesaver—-am not sure what Charlie would think of the device!
I wasn’t sure what my son would think either but for a while he went through a phase of liking watches (and wanting to wear like 5 of them at once). I told him that a police officer was going to come and give him a special watch to help keep him safe. The wristband is nylon so it isn’t too invasive or uncomfortable, he never complains. He also really likes the officers that come to swap his battery & band every month since they bring their K-9 dogs with them, so I’m sure that helps.
My friend whose child has a Project Lifesaver device also likes watches, interestingly—–Charlie doesn’t wear one.
Have you written about this:
“talked about teaching kids to know when they are lost, and to know what to do (and what not to)”
I would be interested in knowing what materials the autism consultant used and if there is a website so others can follow suit. That is a niche that has not been tapped into.
Nicholas knows and once a few years ago went to the guard at Target to get help. I am concerned about Matthew.
I got those tags for his shoelaces and the writing was not even noticeable, they were a waste of money. At his two Elementary schools everyone knew him, teachers, janitors, kitchen help. But now going to the Middle School taking a bus not sure. I will have to go visit once school starts to spy or join a groupthere to get access, some parent group I guess will be necessary, hope they speak English.
The orientation is late in the month, last week and that is when I can buy uniforms and gym clothes and do a tour, his aide will be going as well and might visit him at camp this week.