Autism, Wandering, and Water Safety: Additional Resources

See the links below for more information to protect your loved ones from wandering and drowning risks.

Additional Resources

Resources for Caregivers

• Autism Commission Resources – collection of other resources and supports in MA from the Autism Commission
• Autism Insurance Resource Center – insurance eligibility and coverage information
• The Autism Program at BMC – additional safety resource guides from Boston Medical Center’s Autism Program
• Autism Support Centers – DDS autism support centers offer information and referrals, support groups, family trainings, parent networking and mentoring opportunities, and social events.
• Children’s Trust Find Help – database of free or reduced cost service providers
• Department of Developmental Services - The Department of Developmental Services offers services and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities and children with developmental disabilities.
• The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Children’s Autism Waiver Program – eligible children receive intensive in-home service coordination through DDS
• Disability indicator 911 form – alerts 911 dispatchers to your child’s diagnosis when you call in an emergency
• Learn to Swim! – list of adaptive swimming lesson providers in MA
• Federation for Children with Special Needs Information Center – free specialist support for questions about special education
• Flutie Foundation – information about applying for direct financial support grants
• MassAbility Home Modification Loan Program – state program for no-interest home modification loans
• National Autism Association’s Big Red Safety Box – free toolkit for wandering education and prevention
• National Autism Association’s Meet the Police – free guide to introducing a child with ASD to first responders
• Safety tips for Pool Owners – guidance on how to be a responsible pool owner
• Parental Stress Line – helpline for parents and caregivers
• Treatment Connection – database of treatment services, including services for children with ASD

Resources for First Responders

• Alec First Responder Training – in-service training options for first responders
• The International Association of Chiefs of Police Search Protocols and Questionnaire for First Responders – guide to search and rescue protocols and tools for locating missing children with ASD
• National Autism Association’s First Responder Toolkit – guidelines for responding to missing children with ASD
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Guide for First Responders – guidance for responding to missing children

Additional Information

FY24 Child Fatality Review Annual Report – in-depth research into ASD and wandering-related deaths in MA, with systemic recommendations to advance child safety