Morris Families: Learn how to Keep Loved Ones with Autism and Developmental Disabilities Safe

Published on November 20, 2018

Hidden Dangers Program at Morris County Library Nov. 28

Morris County Library will host a program to educate parents, family members, and professionals working with children and adults with autism and other special needs and disabilities about issues relating to safety, emergency preparedness, and crisis intervention.

The program, presented by the nonprofit POAC Autism Services, will be held Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 6:30-8:45 p.m. The library is located at 30 E. Hanover Ave., Whippany. Register at www.poac.net.

About the dangers:
  • Children with special needs are seven times more likely to have contact with law enforcement than their typically developing peers.
  • 49% of children with autism wander or elope.
  • Autistic children and adults are at greater risk of being exposed to internet pornography, online sexual predators, and becoming victims of online fraud.
  • 70% of developmentally disabled females and 40% of developmentally disabled males are sexually abused by the time they are 18 years old.
  • Emergency room visits are twice as common for those with autism.

The workshop is presented in a format that addresses a variety of special needs and levels of functioning across the life span.
Specifically, the program will cover:

  • How to address wandering and what GPS and other tracking devices are available
  • Emergency and Disaster Preparedness
  • Fire Safety Issues
  • Sexuality and Personal Safety
  • Internet Safety
  • Bullying
  • Behavioral interventions including social stories, activity schedules, visual cues, and more
  • School and Transportation Issues
  • Resources for ongoing support and assistance
  • Physical modifications to the home and classroom

The program will offer concrete suggestions and strategies that can be applied immediately to increase safety and decrease risk at home, in the classroom, and in the community. The information in this workshop could save your child's/student's life. The program is sponsored by Progressive Comprehensive Services, LLC.

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