Joyfully I walk in with my eldest son, asking about his day and notice my daughter sitting alone where I had left them. E is not with her. I call out for him, no response. I ask her where is he hiding, she tells me she doesn't know. I don't have a huge house, 1,100 SqF. to be exact all on one level. Everything either has a lock on it or an alarm to notify us if E is trying to get out. I figure he is hiding on me. He loves to do that despite my telling him he shouldn't. I keep calling his name as I check rooms and bathrooms. All doors are closed but I open and check anyway. No answer, no E!
Panic begins to build up, I begin screaming for him. Hoping my yelling will snap him out of whatever daze he may possibly be in. Pleading with him to please come out from hiding. My other two kids screaming for him as well. I search the rooms and bathrooms again still screaming for him. I run outside now panicked. Perhaps I missed him slip out as the bus blocked my view of the house for about a minute. One of my biggest fears is that he gets out of the house and wanders away. He doesn't respond to his name often or on the regular. I was sick with fear at this point, as I live near a large pond, neighbor with a pool and three blocks from a very busy road.
Quickly, I gather 2/3 of my kids, run back in the house for one last run through thinking of spots I hadn't checked. I check all rooms quickly and this time under beds and in closets. One last door, my closet in my bedroom but that has an outside lock and door is closed. It was quiet. There he was hidden behind my guitar case. "Surprise!" he shouts. I fall to my knees in relief and tears. My oldest son, grabs him and says "You scared the jeepers out of me! You are supposed to answer us when we call you." He said what I wanted but was to upset to say at that moment. Seeing me distressed, E grabs my face and says "No mama, No." I imagine he meant for me to stop crying. He had no understanding of what his one sided game of Hide'n Go Seek had just put me through.The idea of your kid getting out of the house and wandering off is pretty terrifying for any parent. Having a child like E who doesn't always respond to you, that is unaware of danger and can not say his entire name or address is even scarier. I can be in the same room as him and he doesn't acknowledge us right away or at all. All though he is improving in areas, he is not there yet.
"In 2009, 2010, and 2011, accidental drowning accounted for 91% total U.S. deaths reported in children with an ASD ages 14 and younger subsequent to wandering/elopement. More than one third of ASD children who wander/elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number."
-According to the National Autism Association
That is why we have alarms and locks on all the doors. If he would have gotten out, it could have been a very bad situation.
Some may say, why don't you take them with you outside? One reason I don't take them out with me is because the bus is literally across from my house. I have a glass screen door that I lock just before I cross to prevent them from getting out but that I can still see them and visa versa. The other reason is that when I do take the twins with me, as I wait they each want to run off in two different directions. Guess I will be popping them both back in the stroller again and deal with the screaming.
I started to think, what if E had gotten out or away from me? Since I can't microchip my kids, yet, I looked into other options for tracking & safety. First thing I did was sign him up for MedicAlert Found for Autism program bracelet and shoe strap. It is free. This way if he did run off it would have his immediate contact info for local law-enforcement, hospital or who ever finds him can immediately call us or MedicAlert to gather medical and contact information.
Programs recommended by Autism Society for child safety
Autism Society
Take Me Home program - Database program
Smart911 - Law enforcement database for Special Needs
MedicAlert Found for Autism program - Contact band that can be worn on shoe laces and wrist.
There are watches that you can buy that have a phone connection that allow you to track and even speak to your child. These are great but if your child doesn't like things on their wrist, I don't see how it will last. We are thinking of purchasing one and trying it out on our oldest son. I would love to hear from parents if they have tried this for their child.
Trackers - Here are some that we are thinking of purchasing. Since we are not affiliated with any of these companies we don't have first hand knowledge on how well they function. These are just some chosen by features and ease of use.
AngelSense - Currently the only tracker designed for special needs children, especially those with Autism.
AmbyGear - This smart watch doesn't just track your child, they can track you as well. And as a bonus, you can set up calendar reminders and alarms to help them stay on task through out the day.
Weenact - Along with safety zone set up, a panic button, and two-way calling capabilities, this device covers all the must-haves that a kid needs to feel safe. It also comes with a long battery life—up to seven days—so you won’t have to worry about the device dying while your kid is away. $75. + monthly service
KigoWatch - $170 + $9 monthly service WORLDWIDE Great for people that travel a great deal. Not sure how well it works in US but really like the concept of this watch.
All that is left is to do is more research, check reviews and purchase one that offers what we need. Though I wish I could test them all out, financially that isn't feasible. If anyone reading this has purchase one of these or another type of GPS tracker for their child(ren), I would love for you to share your experience with it.
With Love and dedication, anything is possible!
