Autism Toolkit of Georgia
Autism Toolkit of Georgia
Research shows that autistic children are 160 times more likely to drown than non-autistic children. A major reason for this risk is elopement, which means running or wandering away from parents, caregivers, or safe places. About 49% of autistic people elope, and sadly, more than 70% of drowning deaths in autism are linked to elopement.View Resource
Autistic people can be especially sensitive to how different types of clothing feel. They might find certain types of fabrics to be too scratchy or they may be very sensitive to how seams and tags feel. The fit of the clothing can also be a challenge for autistic people – they may struggle with clothing that feels too loose or too tight. What feels like a mild itch or slight pressure to someone without autism might feel sharp, scratchy, or unbearable to someone on the autism spectrum.View Resource
Early diagnosis for autistic children is crucial to allow earlier intervention, which can truly make a lifelong difference. For example, with early diagnosis, children can begin therapies, be better understood by their caregivers and families, and develop communication and social skills to improve their overall success. When children are diagnosed earlier, they receive support sooner, leading to better outcomes later in life.View Resource
Autistic individuals often thrive off routine and predictability and prefer to stay in familiar environments. However, it is important for autistic people and their family members to seek out a variety of environments so that they can gain exposure to different sensory experiences. Frequent outings build adaptability and encourages lifelong engagement within the communityView Resource
Masking, also referred to as camouflaging, is when autistic people change their behavior to better “fit in” with their social environment. It can help autistic people interact with others but it can also cause mental distress to the autistic person.View Resource