Allen Autism Parent Support Group
January 2022
Project H.O.M.E. with the Allen Police Department
Elopement
Please see below a presentation from Allen ISD on elopement as well as additional resources and information from the CDC website.
NAA’s Big Red Safety Box
Our 2021 grant cycle is now open! Click here for details on how to apply for NAA’s Big Red Safety Box.
The Big Red Safety Box is a program of the National Autism Association. Our current grant cycle is supported by grant 2020-J1-BX-0009 provided by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under the OJP funding opportunity entitled “Reducing Injury and Death of Missing Individuals with Dementia and Developmental Disabilities – ProactivePrograms.”
The National Autism Association is committed to those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who may be prone to wandering off or eloping from a safe environment, and may be unable to recognize danger and/or stay safe. Wandering, elopement, “running” or fleeing behaviors among those within our community not only present unique safety risks, but also create extraordinary worry and stress among caregivers. Drowning fatalities following wandering incidents remain a leading cause of death among those with ASD. As such, the National Autism Association provides direct assistance to caregivers, educators and first responders. The Big Red Safety Box is a free-of-charge toolkit given to autism families in need as a means to educate, raise awareness and provide simple tools that may assist them in preventing, and responding to, wandering-related emergencies. NAA’s Big Red Safety Box includes the following resources:
1) Our Be REDy Booklet containing the following educational materials and tools:
- A caregiver checklist
- A Family Wandering Emergency Plan
- A first-responder profile form
- A wandering-prevention brochure
- A sample IEP Letter
- A Student Profile Form
- Emotion Identification Cards
- Wandering Quick Tips
2) Two (2) GE Wireless Door/Window Alarms with batteries
3) One (1) RoadID Bracelet or Shoe ID tag*
4) Five (5) Adhesive Stop Sign Visual Prompts for doors and windows
5) Two (2) Safety Alert Window Clings for car or home windows
6) One (1) Child ID Kit from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
*You will receive instructions in your Big Red Safety Box to submit a custom personalization order for your RoadID bracelet or shoe ID tase at roadid.com/naa. Your ID will be quickly engraved and mailed to you at no charge.
Regardless of any tools caregivers may have in place, if a loved one’s medical condition interferes with their ability to recognize danger or stay safe, it is critical that caregivers maintain close supervision and security in all settings. For more information and ways to prevent wandering-related incidents, please visit http://awaare.org
Those diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and who are at risk of wandering/bolting from a safe environment, qualify to receive a Big Red Safety Box while supplies allow. Limit one (1) box per family – previous recipients are not eligible. Recipients must agree to terms and conditions. Please allow up to three weeks for your Big Red Safety Box request to be processed and delivered to you. NAA’s Big Red Safety Boxes are packaged and shipped with care by a company employing adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
To download our free Be REDy Booklet for Caregivers, click here.
To download our free Be REDY Booklet for First Responders, click here.
To download our free Be REDY Booklet for Teachers, click here.
Teaching Following Directions
Resources to Explore
Sensory Exploration - April 9, 2022
Sensory Exploration is a free program for families with children of all ages who are on the autism spectrum. Families will have time to explore artworks in the galleries and get creative during a hands-on, art-making experience! While the needs of individuals with autism are the focus of this program, it is also intended to be fun for parents, siblings (of all ages), and other relatives!
This program is free, but reservations are required. Reservations open March 1.
https://www.cartermuseum.org/events/sensory-explorations-make-statement
Autism Speaks- Virtual Parent Support Group
Are you struggling to cope with your child’s diagnosis? Are finding it difficult to balance work, parenthood, and self-care? Our group can help! Our Virtual Parent/Caregiver Group is aimed towards helping parents/caregivers of individuals with special needs. Join us online from the convenience of your home!
Designed for Parents/Caregivers of individuals with special needs, looking to build awareness, education, and a network of support.
Our groups are geared to teach, build confidence, and provide tips and strategies.
Join Autism Speaks to:
-Learn more about the diagnosis of autism
-Share experiences, strengths, and challenges
-Learn about coping and self-care strategies
Understanding the IEP and ARD Agenda
Toilet Training Tips and Plan for children with ASD
https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/atnair-p-toilet-training-guide
Connecting the Dots Expo
December Parent Newsletter
Allen ISD Parent Resource Website
Allen ISD Behavior Support Team Website & Resources
Contact Us
Allen ISD Special Services
Email: Katherine.Morris@allenisd.org
Website: https://www.allenisd.org/Domain/35
Location: 612 E. Bethany Drive Allen, TX, 75002
Phone: 972-747-0490