Safety in the street

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.

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