Kids with Autism and Drowning

19 Jun 2019

Preventable injuries sadly often result in death among both adults and children with autism. And, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, those with autism are three times more likely to die because of injuries when compared with the general population.

Autism is a type of developmental disorder marked by challenges with communication and social skills and repetitive behaviors.

For kids with this developmental disability, there are more striking numbers — they’re 40 times more likely to sustain an injury that leads to death than the general child population. And, drowning is the leading fatal injury among autistic kids.

The risk of drowning increases around the ages of five through seven. As 50 percent of children with autism tend to wander, swimming lessons and water safety are a must.

Parents should keep in mind that injuries are often part of the challenges of autistic children, but they can be preventable. Kids often feel anxiety and wander, particularly toward water because the water is one way they look for relief.

Children’s’ affinity to water usually stems from their desire or need for isolation. So, they flee to unfamiliar areas and often this could mean a backyard with an ungated pool or pond

Swimming Lessons

You can reduce your child’s risk of accidental drowning by giving them swimming lessons. Swimming lessons not only help reduce this risk, but also:

Reduce their anxiety
Strengthen their bodies
Improve their learning in other areas

GPS Tracking

Another important tool you can have under your belt for the safety of your autistic child is a GPS tracker. GPS trackers for children allow parents to easily and quickly find a lost or wandering child.

The device will monitor and track your child wherever they go. Think of them as a type of virtual fence or a safe zone for your child. GPS tracking devices are small and lightweight, making them convenient for your child to carry one.

You’ll be alerted instantly the moment your child leaves your assigned safe zone.

With around 100,000 kids receiving a new diagnosis of autism each year in the United States, swimming lessons and GPS tracking have never been more critical than it is today.

To learn more about GPS tracking for children, give us a call at 1-888-544-0494 here at LiveViewGPS.

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About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.