How To Teach Kitchen Safety For Children With Autism

How frequently do we emphasize on kitchen safety? Well, most of us may not even realize that sometimes accidents can be take place even in the kitchen. There are many items like sharp blades, electrical machines, gas oven etc., which can cause serious injuries if proper care is not taken.

The kitchen has never been a safe place for children. But it becomes more dangerous for children with autism at home. Caring for children with autism requires a very special focus on their safety. However, it’s important for children to understand that although the kitchen can be an exciting place to be but at the same time it can also be very dangerous.

Here are some tips on how to ensure kitchen safety for children with Autism.

Keep Dangerous Objects Out of Reach:

• However, children with Autism have different behavioral patterns.
• For parents wondering where the changes in the kitchen should be started it is always better to start with basics of kitchen environment:
• Probably keep all the dangerous and sharp objects out of reach, such as knives, hot pans, scissors and other harmful objects.
• Knives may be the greatest threat to the safety of the child.
• Keep glass wear or breakable items in a locked cupboard or up high which is out of reach.
• These kinds of sharp and breakable objects need to be hidden away from the child so that the child does not find them even as a matter of chance.

Cover Plug Points:

• If your child tends to place their fingers in plug attachments, you should consider plug socket covers.
• It is smart work to turn off any unnecessary appliances so that they cannot accidentally be turned on by your child.
• Make sure the plugs and cords are in good shape, and there are no loose or exposed wires.
• Avoid using extension cords for connecting numerous appliances simultaneously this could lead to short circuit.

Try To Use Various visuals:

• Simple symbols can be used to make them understand more clearly
• For instance, when something is hot a card can be displayed to support a verbal prompt not to contact it or a symbol for wash your hands can also be useful for them.
• Place Stop Signs or visuals on items or surfaces where you don’t want them to go or reach towards.
• You can use symbols for labeling things. For example, you can use symbol of ‘NO’, place these on doors that are not to be opened or things that are not to be touched.

Keep them away from Heating Instruments:

• Children with Autism find heating instruments entertaining and end up reaching out there even after so many warnings.
• Build a barricade, through this small blockade around your stove can keep your child away from it.
• After using hot instruments such as kettles, toasters etc., try to keep it separate after cooling down.
• A separate area that is at a height and away from reach of child, can be used to keep the instruments.
• Try not to involve a tap with flick blender as it is extremely simple to operate for the child.

TAKE SIMPLE STEPS 

• Keep the kitchen as clean as possible, Keep everything locked in cupboards and cabinets and take it out only while using.
• Teach them how to ask for help if they are in trouble in the kitchen
• Try showing them videos related to kitchen safety rules on YouTube which will make things more clearer for them.
• Be with them every time they want to be in the kitchen so that you can help wherever they need you.
• You could use checklists as reminders on things such as what to do after cooking food or rules to follow so they don’t get hurt.

Taking care of children with autism can be challenging and requires patience. But, with a little preparation and safety kitchen safety can be taught so that it becomes safe and harmless for children with autism.