| Videotape and take
photos of your child two or three times per year, including profile shots. Keep a growth chart of your child; know his or
her height as well as their weight.
Keeping finger prints can be most
helpful. There are many organizations that can provide you with a free kit.
Write down an accurate description
about your child. Certain moles, birth marks, anything you can think of that will help to
identify your child.
You can also keep DNA of your child.
When ever your child scrapes their knee or elbow you can wipe some of their blood with a
cotton swab and place it in a baggie. You can also wipe the inside of their cheeks
(saliva) and place it in a baggie as well. Keep these stored in a safe place with your
child’s name on it. Below you’ll find more information
http://www.klaaskids.org/
Know whether your child is left or
right handed.
Do not leave a child unattended while
shopping, visiting with neighbors or friends, or running errands. Under no circumstances
should you leave a child alone in a car or truck.
Make sure your child always checks
with you before going anywhere with
anyone.
Make sure your child learns his or
her address and phone number at an early age. A second phone number of a friend or
relative is also helpful.
Contact your police department. (911
alert program) This would mean alerting them to the fact you have an ASD child in your
home, and what the child's limitations and needs are that are issues in this child's life.
Know your neighbors! (Extra eyes and
ears) Know your storekeepers, community service workers (parks & recreation and other
city workers), delivery personnel (USPS, UPS, Fed Ex, etc.)
Keep a list of anyone who enters your
home (repair persons, utilities, workers, etc.) Identify and document (map out) nearby
danger zones such as water sources, traffic, physical hazards, structures, bridges,
utilities and so on.
A responsible adult must always be
nearby. Children cannot for any reason be left alone. If your child is dropped off at a
bus stop, be sure to be there to walk with them. Personally, I’m not too fond of the
buddy system; many children have been abducted at gun point while being with friends so
it’s important for an adult to be there at all times.
Carry a cellular phone
Teach your child how to dial 911
Ignore all distractions; that can be
used as a ploy to take your child.
Keep child's name out of plain view.
This means do not print your child’s name on T-shirts or jackets. Also do not yell
your child’s name in public. Sadly, these are the times we live in.
For the ASD child consider some type
of wearable identification such as an ID bracelet.. There are many places those can be
ordered such as your local pharmacy. Basic information should be printed and if your
child is non-verbal, be sure to include that. For children who do not like wearing
bracelets or necklaces ut the site below provides a velcro strap.
http://www.roadid.com/
For the ASD child find a secured room
to place a child or children briefly in the home. This is for the adult to be able to use
the bathroom, tend to other children or meet other family needs. This is particularly
important if your child is very determined on elopement. If your child (like mine)
is a flight risk then spend a small fortune on door sensors. It's well worth it.
Make sure your child knows to scream
and run if approached in an alarming way by anyone. Your child should be taught to ALWAYS
tell you immediately if he or she is approached by a stranger who asks for help, offers
candy/gifts, or frightens him/her in anyway. Your child should know to make you aware of
anytime he or she feels uncomfortable with ANYONE.
It's also wise to do a
background check on anyone you may hire as a babysitter. It can
be quite easy to attain.
Lastly, if your child does go
missing CALL the Police immediately. There is not set time and the faster it
is reported the quicker the
information can get out.
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