Need advice about safety bracelets etc

[sphil]

We lost DS2 (7,with ASD) at a theme park today. Totally our fault - we were watching DS1 on a ride and talking to my brother and sister-in-law - and we suddenly realised Ds2 had vanished. He was probably gone for 15 minutes before two of the rangers found him (they were completely brilliant) but I have never been so scared in my life. He hasn't run off anywhere for over a year (and that was only down the road) and normally sticks very close to us, we don't have to hold his hand, follows when we call etc. But this has been a real wake-up call. I know the best safety method is to not allow this to happen, but wondered if any of you use identity/safety devices when out and about. Need pros and cons really.

If you are going anywhere busy where getting lost is a stong possibility, would he tolerate a disposable bracelet like you get in hospital with your mobile number on it?. Would he tolerate a rubber phone number bracelet?. He doesn't have to wear it all the time but would he do this if you asked? I know sometimes ASD kids feel a bit 'invaded' if asked to wear something new. If he's unhappy with this would he be able to recite your mobile number?
Kids are forever wandering off just to give us a few more grey hairs!

He might wear a bracelet if we introduced it very gradually but he would hate it. When he was in hospital having teeth out the ID bracelet was the worst thing for him! He wouldn't be able to say the phone number - he has some language but mostly single words and his speech isn't always clear to others.

I have a loc8tor set. (sorry no link, am on phone)

Sort of bought because I always lose my keys/phone etc, and so an market version of the whistle tags.

Got that particular one (although) pricey because.of the lost child aspect. I haven't had to use it in anger ever, bit did try it out on dd1 at home and it worked reasonably well. Tags are small and light, and would.attach easily to belt loop or zip etc. Distance can be set, and you.carry the locating unit with you. If tag moves eg 10m away from unit, alarm goes off, and then there is a directional tracker on the unit to help pinpoint.

poor you how anxiuos you must have been have been their muself with my asd child i actually write in pen on his wrist my mobile no but i know some kids wont want you to do this. but my child dont like the wrist bands. these thing just happen sometimes and whilst we blame ourselves for letting it happen when we know it could we have to just realise we are only human after all. dont blame yourself it will probably happen again at some point you could try sewing your mobile no on your kids clothes like my friend does but i am affaid i dont know the answer to them running off in the first place i dont think anyone does its just something a asd child does. glad he was found sfe in such a short period of time i know alton towers are excellent as my asd child went missing thier once! they found him in no time.

We used a locator bracelet with ds1 through Project Lifesaver (not sure if that is only US or worldwide?). I felt soooo much better. I painted it with nail polish to look like a "Spy Transmitter" and he really did fine with it. We are taking a short break from it atm but I wouldn't hesitate to put him back on the program if I felt I couldn't trust him again.

these locators sound a good idea where can i get one would like to try one!

Here is the website. We got ours through the county sherriff's department.

Something that attaches to a belt would be much better as he really hates stuff on his arms (even sleeves!) I'll look up the loc8tor. Thanks!

Just looked it up - looks good. Does it beep on the handheld bit only, or does the bit attached to the child beep too? If so, I think DS2 could be taught to respond to that, using ABA. My feeling is that he wandered off to look at things yesterday and then couldn't find his way back rather than deliberately charging off just for the sake of it, iyswim. He was visibly upset when brought back - and also when Dh and I told him what he'd done wrong. I think he understood, at least partially. But places like we were yesterday, with log flumes and roundabouts, are just too tempting.

Iirc (tag on my keys needs new battery!) the tag beeps too. Not as loud as the unit, but it does.make a noise.

I remember thinking that if we needed it the noise might be a factor for us as dd1 is so noise sensitive. I was thinking that the noise would prob benefit us, as dd1 usually stands stock still as soon as there is a noise she doesn't like!

Atm we don't need it (should really intro now, I suppose rather than wait until there is a problem) as dd1 sticks to us like glue if places are busy etc. Bit we do go to places like legoland a lot, so I cam see we'll need it one day.

We used to thread a small or disposable braclet through the zip of Dd3's jacket or a belt loop, she used to run off all the time and would not wear one on her wrist. now she carries a back pack with a chest strap clip with my mobile number in the flap. It's not perfect and she could take it off but we are able to be really firm with her and say no bag no trip, which she does understand. I lke the back pack too cos it has a grab handle I can hold, she hates holding hands!!!
Horrible moment for you, I know exactly how you felt.

Hi, we write my mobile phone number on their arm with a sharpie pen, just under edge of t-shirt. Also use a little life back pack with lead for younger one.

The lifesaver bracelet doesn't beep. We were told that if ds1 wandered off to to a quick 5 - 10 minute search and then call in where they would activate the signal locator.