Emergency drills, such as fire drills, lockdowns, and active shooter simulations, are an important part of school safety. But for students on the autism spectrum, these events can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. The sudden loud noise, sensory overload, and unexpected changes can cause anxiety or emotional distress.
By working together, educators and families can create supportive strategies that can help autistic students feel more secure before, during, and after these drills.
Why These Drills Are Challenging
Students with autism often rely on routine, predictability, and calm environments to feel safe. Emergency drills can interrupt that comfort with sudden alarms, flashing lights, and quick movements. This can cause sensory overload, confusion, or even panic.
For some children, these drills aren’t just uncomfortable, they can be overwhelming. If they struggle with communication, it may be harder for them to express their needs or understand what’s happening. These strong reactions aren’t bad behavior—they’re signs the student is trying to cope with a stressful and unfamiliar situation.
How to Help Students with Autism Prepare for Drills
1. Make Use of Simple Stories or Pictures – Explain what is likely to happen during an emergency drill using pictures or stories. Do this often so they will know what to expect.
2. Give Them Warnings Ahead of Time – Let the student know ahead of time if you know that a drill is coming. Use cards or do a countdown to show them that it’s about to come. This will help them feel more prepared.
3. Offer Them Sensory Support – Sensory-friendly tools are essential. Giving the student noise-canceling headphones, a fidget toy, or a weighted lap pad will help them stay calm.
4. Keep a Trusted Adult Nearby – Make sure a trusted adult, like a teacher, who the student knows well, is close during the drill. Their support and presence can make the student feel more comfortable.
5. Practice Quietly – Do simple practice runs without loud sounds. Try to walk to a safe spot or sit quietly, one step at a time, in a calm setting.
Working Together with Families and Specialists
Helping autistic students feel safe during drills isn’t something schools can do alone, it takes teamwork. Staying in touch with families is key. Parents and caregivers, who know their child best, can share what calms them, what might upset them, and how they communicate when they’re feeling stressed or scared.
Schools should take time at the beginning of the school year, and anytime new drills are added, to go over safety plans with families. This helps make sure everyone is on the same page and that each child gets the support they need.
It’s also helpful to include specialists in planning. Occupational therapists can recommend sensory tools that help the child stay calm, and speech-language pathologists can create simple ways for the child to ask for help or explain how they’re feeling during stressful moments. When everyone works together, drills become less scary and more manageable for students with autism.
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Schools have a legal duty to keep all students safe, including those with disabilities. Under the IDEA, or Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, every child has the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), and that includes emergency preparedness like fire drills or lockdowns.
That means schools need to ensure safety procedures for all students. They should avoid anything that could unfairly affect or exclude students with special needs.
If a student has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 Plan, it’s helpful to include information about emergency drills. This can explain what the student needs, how teachers and staff should help, and what to do afterward to help the child feel safe. Writing this down makes sure everyone is prepared, and the student gets the right support.
What to Do During a Lockdown or Drill
When a drill or real emergency starts, these strategies can help autistic students stay calm and feel safe:
- Lower sensory input: If possible, use a quiet room with soft lighting to reduce noise and brightness.
- Give personal space: Let students who are feeling stressed sit near the edge of the group or along a wall.
- Use visual supports: Hold up simple cue cards like “Quiet,” “Sit,” or “Stay with me” to give instructions without needing to speak.
- Speak gently: Use calm, clear words instead of shouting, and avoid touching the student unless necessary.
After the Drill: Helping Students Recover
After the drill, autistic students may need extra time and support to process what happened. Offer a quiet, calming space where they can relax and use visual tools or discussion boards to help them talk about how they feel. If the student uses alternative communication, such as AAC devices or PECS, ensure staff know how to support them during this time.
Additionally, keep an eye out for delayed stress responses. Some students may seem okay at first but show signs of anxiety or upset hours or even days later.
Creating an Inclusive School Environment
Inclusion means support should come from the whole school, not just the special education team. Teachers, office staff, custodians, and classmates all play a role in helping autistic students feel safe and supported, especially during emergencies.
Schools can also teach all students about empathy, diversity, and how to be good allies. Even simple lessons can help classmates understand and support their autistic peers.
Building Resilience Through Inclusion
Lockdowns and drills are important for school safety, but they shouldn’t cause emotional harm, especially for autistic students. With the right planning, teamwork, and personalized support, we can help these students feel safe, included, and prepared, even during stressful situations.
As educators and caregivers, it’s our job to prepare all students, not just for physical safety, but for emotional well-being too. In doing so, we build safer, more inclusive schools where every child has the tools to thrive.
Sajeeta Dhungana, MA, BCBA, is Head of Assessments at All Star ABA. For more information about autism-focused behavioral support, visit www.allstaraba.org, email office@allstaraba.org, or call (410) 541-1316.
