Community Effort: Help Keep Kids with Autism Safe

Safety planning and preparation are essential for all children, but for kids on the autism spectrum, those strategies often need to be tailored to meet unique needs. In this episode, Kate Setter sat down with pediatric autism specialists, Dr. Julia Anixt and Dr. Jen Smith, to explore how families and communities can work together to keep children who have autism safe. You’ll learn: The term elopement in the context of autism How to build safety skills into everyday routines Collaborating with schools and communities to create safety plans What to do if you child wanders off Advice for parents who are just beginning to navigate safety concerns This episode is filled with practical insights and heartfelt reminders that keeping kids safe is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, neighbor, or caregiver, awareness and action can make a difference. With preparation and resources, we can build safer communities for all children, especially those who may be more vulnerable. Subscribe to Young & Healthy on your favorite podcast app now. And listen to this episode below.