Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.
Our 4 1/2 year old daughter is Autistic. We have had a lot of problems with her, but one of the most disturbing ones, one that seems to have no solution is that she unbuckles her car seat OVER and OVER. My husband and I worry about her safety most of all, and that if we ever get pulled over by the police for some reason, we\'d be in big trouble. We recently bought her a very expensive Sunshine Kids Radian XT child car seat with a 5 point harness. A mom of an Autistic child in my daughter\'s class had one for her son, and thought we should try it. We were just holding our breath that she wouldn\'t be able to unbuckle it. The first day she could only unbuckle the shoulder harness buckle on the top. But the next day we were horrified that she was able to unbucke both buckles, and getting out of her seat. She does seem more interested in buckling and unbuckling (over and over again -it\'s a ritual) than getting out of her seat. I think we are stuck with this almost $300 car seat. After all, the manufacturer never guaranteed a child couldn\'t unbuckle it, or suggested it for an Autistic child. Does anyone know if there is a seat made for a child like my daughter that could only be unbuckled by an adult? Is there a lock or a clip made that could go over a seat belt buckle? We are really beside ourselves, and are desperate for help.
Thanks
Wendy
Thanks
Wendy
http://www.mypreciouskid.com/seat-belt-cover-angel-guard.html
Andrea and Steve Kaneb are parents of Phillip, seven, who has a form of epilepsy called "continuous spikes and waves of sleep." According to the Kanebs, "He is very good at undoing buckles and mechanical things," so they were in need of something to resolve this situation. Both are engineers and have come up with a clever way of preventing Phillip from unbuckling himself. The Kaneb's report success by "using the bottom of a small plastic juice bottle" as a buckle cover.
To construct the device, they first removed the bottom of the jar by cutting the end off. This should be only large enough to fit over the seat belt. Second, they cut a slit in the bottom of the jar to allow the buckle to go through. The bottom of the jar sits on top of the button side receptor and the latch passes through the slit (see diagram). "The sides of the cover keep him from accessing the release button." This remedy has worked to solve the situation for the Kanebs, but they warn parents not to make this simple device too elaborate. In case of an emergency, parents should be able to take it apart quickly and easily.
What about getting her a toy that buckles and unbuckles? Something curb that fascination of her? Maybe a dumby set of buckles? I would think that you could go to any boneyard/ junk yard and purchase a set inexpensively.
Just a thought.....
This looks like a great product.
www.adaptivemall.com