My son has little awareness of danger and will try and run out in the road or escape out of the window.
There are a number of reasons why your son may do this. Although there may be a lack of understanding as to why he should not, it is important to make sure there is not anything else that is giving him reason for the behaviour. For example, our natural reaction when someone is in danger is to react strongly to make sure they stay safe. Some children enjoy being chased, or like the attention they get. If this is the case, when removing your son to safety do so with the minimum amount of eye contact and communication. Just say, 'No running' and reinforce this with a no running or no climbing symbol. If this is particularly problematic whilst walking along the road, try and provide distractions to keep your sons mind off running away. This can be done either by pointing out things in the environment, singing his favourite song or have him bring something along that can distract him. This way he will also get attention when he is not running out on the road as well as being distracted.
Social stories were developed by Carol Gray to help people with an ASD to understand social situations (May, 2005). They are short descriptions of a particular event, situation or activity (May, 2005). You may find it useful to write a story on why we cannot run out on the road or go out the window. Because social stories are written out, they provide visual information as well as spoken and can be referred to before an event. For example, before you go out for a walk you could read out the story on why it is we do not run out into the road, and it is important to keep hold of Mum's hand. For further information on how to write a story, please refer to Carol Gray's book (see 'Recommended reading' in 'Related resources' below) or look at her website (see 'Useful contacts', also below).
You may also find it useful to role play crossing the road safely. Many toy shops sell road safety signs, car mats and toy cars and you may find it useful to play out different scenarios to show your son why it is dangerous to run out into the road (please also see 'Useful contacts' below for other resource contacts). There are also a number of interactive games on the internet that can also teach about safety and crossing the road safely:
www.trafficclub.org/
www.bmweducation.co.uk/safe/default.asp
www.hedgehogs.gov.uk/
www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/arrivealive/index.htm
www.roadcode.co.uk/
Sometimes it can be easier to adapt the environment rather than the person's behaviour. A number of companies sell alarms and locks for doors and windows that will go off when someone opens the door, or will only open a window a small amount. There are also safety harnesses that you can buy for your son when out by the road (please refer to 'Useful contacts' for more details).
Related resources