We’ve all heard of stranger danger and the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street, but children with Autism bring a whole new pool of safety concerns into the mix. If you see signs that your child is autistic, it is a good idea to focus on safety matters for inside and outside the home.

Children with Autism sometimes wander.

• Install a battery-powered doorbell chime that lets you know when your door has been opened. This will let you know if your child has wandered outside, no matter where you are in the house.

April is National Autism Awareness Month! Since the 1970s, the United States has recognized this month in honor of those who are affected by Autism to educate the public and raise awareness. Autism affects about one in 110 babies born in the United States. But what is Autism and how can you help?

What is Autism?

Autism is a developmental disorder affecting a child’s ability to interact with others. It typically appears somewhere between birth and three years of age. It affects each child differently. Symptoms, severity and age all vary. Thus, it’s called a “spectrum disorder.” There is no known cause, and although at present it’s incurable, it can be controlled through treatment, especially if it’s diagnosed early on.