If we become concerned about you or anyone else while using one of our services, we will act in line with our safeguarding policy and procedures. This may involve sharing this information with relevant authorities to ensure we comply with our policies and legal obligations.
Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Safety in the street
Options
Janine
Community member Posts: 11 Listener
I am working with an older child with autism. He is very active and he likes to run and "escape" with no concern for safety. His behaviour is difficult to manage and his mum and carers are struggling whenever they have to walk with him in the community. Does anyone know of any harnessess for older children or has come across this problem before? Thanks for your help.
Comments
-
Try Crelling Harnesses-www.crelling.com. They have a range of harnesses for walking
Crelling Harnesses For Disabled Limited.
12 Crescent East
Thornton-Cleveleys
Lancashire
FY5 3LJ
Tel: (+ 44 ) 01253 852298
Fax: (+ 44) 01253 821780
Email: info@crelling.com -
Hi Janine, Have you thought about a wheelchair? I recently recommended one - mum phoned me to say that I had got the measurements wrong and it was a wee bit tight. She phoned back an hour later having been to the shops and said it worked a treat - the too tight gave him extra sensory input and he sat happily in the chair.
I would only recommend with clear instructions that it is only used in vulnerable situations (not in park etc) but it can be an age appropriate, socially acceptable way of getting about. The difficulty with walking harnesses is that someone has to be on the other end and quick movements could cause injury to either party.
The use of a wheelchair can also remove some of the anxiety about moving about in community settings - e.g if he is overstimulated then he also doesn't have to think about walking, if he has perceptual issues then working out distances etc is no longer a concern. Therefore what might look like taking away independence actually gives independence - the client I mentioned earlier is now going round the supermarket with his mum!
The other method we often recommend is with the physio work out a "safe walking" technique - a supporter on either side, supporting under the elbow and effectively jamming the person in if required. Only works if the person can tolerate people that close - but does allow them to have independent movement with a quick response as required. The long term downside can mean the person starts to lean on the supporters and dependence develops. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. -
Thanks very much for your help.
Will let you know how we get on. -
I know how difficult this can be and i used to drive my son to the front door of almost everywhere to avoid any walking, i once tried (when he was very young and before diagnosed autistic) tried to walk my son on a toddlers harness and the dog on a lead, I think I can safely say that was one of the worst days of my life. Anyway we tackled walking safely in the street every night by taking my son walks and helping him learn by visual aids about not running away and the danger of cars etc. he has learned to stop look and listen and not run at all when out, unless he is in the park etc. It takes long long teaching and reenforcing nad visual aids to help children with autism learn a new skill
-
i agree behavioural approach is loing term goal.
reins like http://www.crelling.com/WALKING REINS.html could be short term for specific circumstances i geuss but overall goal hould be teaching him o v short walks with rewards perhaps to walk nicely next to the adult
also wheelchair option is not such a bad idea
Brightness
Categories
- All Categories
- 13K Start here and say hello!
- 6.6K Coffee lounge
- 69 Games lounge
- 385 Cost of living
- 4.3K Disability rights and campaigning
- 1.9K Research and opportunities
- 199 Community updates
- 9.2K Talk about your situation
- 2.1K Children, parents, and families
- 1.6K Work and employment
- 768 Education
- 1.7K Housing and independent living
- 1.4K Aids, adaptations, and equipment
- 586 Dating, sex, and relationships
- 363 Exercise and accessible facilities
- 737 Transport and travel
- 31.6K Talk about money
- 4.4K Benefits and financial support
- 5.2K Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- 17.1K PIP, DLA, and AA
- 4.9K Universal Credit (UC)
- 6.2K Talk about your impairment
- 1.8K Cerebral palsy
- 869 Chronic pain and pain management
- 180 Physical and neurological impairments
- 1.1K Autism and neurodiversity
- 1.2K Mental health and wellbeing
- 317 Sensory impairments
- 818 Rare, invisible, and undiagnosed conditions
Complete our feedback form and tell us how we can make the community better.