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The Critical Role of Grandparents for Autism Families
Grandma is sometimes the first to suspect. Nick Juritza sat up and crawled a bit later than usual. “My mom noticed little things about my son,” says Nick’s mother, Kelli Juritza. “She said to me, ‘You know, you might want to get him checked out.'” Juritza is among several parents...
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Smart Home Technology and Autism
Good parents worry about their children’s safety. For most, this centers on keeping toddlers away from medicine, sharp objects, electrical outlets and other physical dangers in the home. As children grow, parents can usually start worrying less about these things and focus on their children’s...
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Autism Plus Wandering
When Liane Kupferberg Carter’s son Mickey began “escaping,” as she calls it, around age 2, “he was greased lightning,” she says. “I couldn’t take my eyes off him for an instant or he’d disappear — in malls, supermarkets, or in any public space.” As her son got older, things...
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The Importance of Community Involvement in Preventing a Wandering Incident
Approximately 48% of children diagnosed with autism have been reported to elope at some point in their lives, frequently from places that are considered the safest environments for them to be in, such as homes and schools. People who elope place themselves in harm’s way and increase their risk of...
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Advocating for Awareness of Wandering and How Avonte’s Law Can Help
Imagine celebrating a birthday party in your home. You have friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues over for a joyous occasion filled with laughter, celebration, and a relaxing evening of catching up with those you care about the most. The evening is going smoothly when all of a sudden you hear...
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Project Lifesaver – From the Beach to the Police Department
As way of background I am a Police Detective in the New Rochelle Police Department (NY) and President of the New Rochelle PBA. New Rochelle is a 10 square mile city located within Westchester County, NY. Westchester County offers Project Lifesaver to all qualified residents within the County. I...
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Interacting Safely with Police: Crucial Skills for Individuals Across the Spectrum
Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have a long list of safety concerns, no matter the age of their children. Parents need to focus on creating a secure home environment, preventing wandering and teaching water safety. Yet there is another critical area of need that...
