Child safety is at the top of the priority list for every parent. Making sure children know how to cross the street safely, what places they may and may not visit, what to do in the event of a fire or other dangerous situation, and numerous other safety issues are one way parents seek to protect their children from the dangers of daily living. Families who have children with autism face even greater challenges as they seek to provide a safe environment for their children while protecting them from harm. But now there’s a new way to add an extra layer of protection, and it’s paid for with funding provide by the Department of Justice. It’s called GPS tracking.
Federal Grant Funding for GPS Tracking
Families of children with autism can now obtain GPS tracking devices for those children, thanks to a new program funded by the Department of Justice. The devices can be obtained through a local law enforcement agency or office. Officers, school personnel, and parents can also receive training paid for using funds from the grant.
Autism groups are very happy about the decision, saying that the devices can save lives by keeping tabs on the children even if they wander. One of the most frightening circumstances for a caregiver is to turn around and discover that the child has wandered off, especially in a potentially dangerous place. GPS tracking devices can alleviate some of that fear by immediately locating the child and providing an exact location to the caregiver.
GPS Tracking for Children with Autism
Because children with autism have a greater tendency to wander than other children, parents and caregivers must be constantly in tune with where that child is so that he or she does not become lost. GPS tracking provides one way parents and caregivers can keep tabs on the whereabouts of a child with autism so that even if the child does wander away, he or she will be easier to locate. The following table lists several types of GPS tracking units that can provide assistance:
| GPS wristwatches | A GPS-enabled wristwatch allows parents to identify the coordinates of the child at all times by logging onto the computer. Many models can also be programmed to alert the caregiver if the child crosses a specified boundary. |
| GPS anklets | An anklet may stay in place more effectively than a wristwatch. The anklet may be less noticeable and therefore less likely to be removed by the child. |
| Wearable personal devices | Personal GPS tracking devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be clipped onto shoelaces, a belt, or a pocket. They can also be worn on a cord around the neck. |
Since children with autism function at different levels and have different needs, the variety of options can give parents greater control over which device will best serve their child and their family.
How the Devices Work
GPS tracking devices receive signals from satellites to identify the location of the person or object carrying the device. Using three different satellite signals, the devices utilize a process known as triangulation to accurately pinpoint the location within a few feet. The device then transmits that information to a computer, enabling caregivers to go online in order to locate the device and its wearer. Many models also allow users to specify a perimeter or boundary. If the device crosses that line, it will send an alert via text message or email, enabling caregivers to take immediate action.
GPS Tracking for Personal Safety
GPS tracking is a great personal safety solution for people in many different walks of life and various situations. Some of the most common ways the devices have been used to promote safety include:
- Monitoring elderly people with Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Hikers, bikers, and other individuals who enjoy lots of solitude
- School children who walk to and from school or who arrive home before their parents get off work
- Teens with a newly acquired driver’s license
- Family members who travel frequently or spend a lot of time driving alone
- Dogs and cats who may wander or be stolen from the backyard
In these and other situations, GPS tracking provides peace of mind for family members who may be concerned about the safety of a loved one. If injured, lost, or otherwise harmed, the family member can get help quickly by means of the GPS tracking device.
For families of children with autism, GPS tracking provides more than just peace of mind. It also provides a way to relieve some of the pressure associated with being a caregiver. Thanks to the federal funding now available through the Department of Justice, more families can take advantage of the benefits associated with GPS technology.
Federal Program Provides GPS Tracking Devices for Children With Autism
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