Autism Community Connection (ACC) created a social story called “My Family Safe Word.” The social story talks about how to create a special family word to be safe in emergency situations. This social story was created in 2022 because several families affected by autism was at the Greenwood Mall during the active shooter situation. Emergency situations can be very traumatic and stressful for those affected by autism. Being prepared and practicing the family safe word can be useful in an emergency like accidents, weather related situations, acts of violence, etc when you and your loved one with autism need to get to a safe location.
Feel free to download and share this social story with your family, friends and co-workers. Preparation is key to success.
Some additional emergency preparedness resources.
- American Red Cross Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities
- Ready: Disasters and Emergency
- Sesame Workshop: Emergencies
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency Preparedness for Families with Special Needs