When taking your autistic child out in an adaptive stroller, you want to know they will be safe and that both of you will enjoy the experience. That’s why you need the right stroller. Your stroller is the perfect way for your child to explore and enjoy the outside world. However, you need to prepare, develop safety routines, and anticipate sensory challenges. Let’s take a look at all of these.
This article explains:
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Establishing secure positioning along with safety routines.
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Everyday strategies for managing sensory overload and environmental challenges.
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Safety protocols for transportation, weather, and public spaces.
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Pre and post-trip maintenance checks to practice.
Setting Up the Harness and Seating for Secure Posture
The first thing is to set up and maintain the harness. This is particularly important for children with special needs who can have uncontrollable movements or be unable to differentiate between any safety boundaries.
Place your child’s back against the seat firmly so that their spine is in a natural position. The chest strap should rest flat across the top of the chest, never around the neck, and should be loose enough for you to be able to put one finger between the strap and your child's body.
The strap across the crotch does not slide; it must be adjusted loosely and without any pressure points. If your child frequently moves their arms from the harness straps, consider a 5-point harness system, designed for children who move a lot and featuring strengthened buckles. Check all harness points when you have your child set up in the stroller, making sure that the straps are lying flat and not twisted, and that all of the buckles click into place securely.
Adjust Footrests and Trunk Supports to the 90–90–90 Position
Place your child’s hips, knees, and ankles in the 90-90-90 position. This is the best positioning for blood circulation as it reduces pressure points and provides firm support for long trips. Position the footrests so that your child's thighs are fully supported on the seat surface, with knees bent to right angles, and feet comfortably resting on the footrests.
If your child has muscle tone differences, a common issue in autistic children, place footrest extensions for longer legs and firm cushions in the lower back to provide hip angle support. The trunk should remain upright with minimal effort; lateral trunk supports or chest pads can provide external support.
Practice Safety Routines at Home Before Busy Outings
Practice at home and perfect your safety processes without the pressure of real-life problems. Develop a pre-departure routine with the same procedures each time: check the stroller lock, secure your personal belongings, and buckle up with the harness.
Practice these routines when the child is calm, using social stories or visual schedules to help them understand all of the steps. Practice short sessions in the driveway first, then increase complexity as the child becomes more comfortable. Role-play common situations, including traveling through doorways, curbs, and interactions with strangers.
Create an Elopement-Prevention Plan
Autistic children have a higher risk of wandering away from you. You need many security layers in your stroller, so consider adding safety tethers from your child's wrist to the stroller frame for extra security in case they manage to unfasten their harness.
You can also add safety features like buckle covers that make it difficult for your child to reach buckles, or magnetic buckles with specific release techniques. Compression garments or weighted lap pads can make it more difficult for your child to exit the stroller.
At the same time, always make sure that emergency personnel can remove any restraints if needed.
Plan for Sensory Regulation in Crowds and Noisy Spaces
If your autistic child gets sensory overload, it can cause unsafe behaviours and stress, so it’s better to be proactive. Prepare a sensory toolkit with noise-canceling headphones, tinted glasses, fidget toys, and comfort objects. Keep them stored in convenient pockets along with any medical equipment, all with ease of access, so that they are readily available.
You should also map and plan your journey in advance. Remember to check for any areas that might present sensory triggers and work out backup routes. Plan "sensory breaks" in quieter areas where your child can relax. Have regular check-ins and keep an eye out for early overload signs such as advanced stimming or escape behavior.
Learn to Maneuver Safely With Curbs, Ramps, and Doors
The more you use your stroller, the more confident you will become, until it all becomes second nature over time. When you are at a curb, press the stroller back a bit so the front wheels go up first, and then gently push the back wheels down. Never push directly over curbs because it can cause the stroller to tip forward.
Regarding ramps, stand slightly off to one side rather than directly behind, and keep a firm grip. On steep ramps, face the opposite direction and pull back for maximum control. For doors, stand parallel to the door frame and open the door fully before entering.
Make Your Child and Stroller Identifiable in Public
Your child should be visible to others and carry identification. These concerns serve two purposes: your child is safe, and others can assist if needed. Attach identification to your child, medical alert bracelets, temporary phone number tattoos, or ID cards in safety pockets. Include important information, such as your child's name, phone number, and contact details, as well as any relevant medical information.
Make your stroller noticeable with reflective, bright materials. Add identification on the stroller with your name, phone number, and direct instructions about your child's requirements. GPS tracking devices can be employed as added safety features.
Stay Visible and Weather-ready Outdoors
The weather can affect your experience, so it’s best to be prepared.
Develop weather-specific checklists: in hot weather, provide plenty of shade and air circulation, and check for signs of overheating. In cold weather, keep your child warm and help them be mobile. In case of rain, have a quality rain cover that does not obstruct sight or ventilation.
Carry emergency supplies that fit your climate at all times.
Follow Bus, Van, and Plane Rules for Strollers
Public transport traveling requires planning, and you should be aware of regulations, as these often vary by mode of travel. If you take buses, for example, note local transit policies for mobility devices. Most buses accommodate special needs strollers in a designated space.
Flying can be challenging, especially regarding regulations for dimensions, batteries, and gate-checking procedures. Talk to airlines in advance to check on their individual policies for special needs equipment. Pack light backup strollers for easy mobility within airports.
Pack a Go-Kit and Run a Pre-Roll Safety Check Every Trip
A well-prepared go-kit can be life-saving. Keep important items in convenient, accessible bags that can carry everything that your child needs. For example, include essential tools, emergency contact information, extra batteries, a first aid kit, comfort objects, and substitute positioning aids.
Your pre-roll safety checklist should be second nature and take no longer than two minutes. Inspect wheel alignment and test brakes to make sure they lock into position. Remember to check the safety straps. Also, inspect the frame for damage or unusual wear patterns.
Do Quick Post-Outing Inspections
The best way to keep your gear going is to inspect it after a trip for wear and tear or any damage. Check all moving parts, especially the heavy-use ones. Clear the wheels and brakes from debris and dirt, as these affect performance. Fix small issues before they become bigger.
Measure and Choose the Right Stroller for Your Trips and Your Child’s Growth
To create lasting memories for your child and yourself, you need the right special needs stroller. This is largely a matter of matching current needs to anticipated growth, while including the most common destinations and transportation requirements. Take measurements of your most common routes, such as door openings, elevator dimensions, auto trunk space, and destination storage areas.
Plan ahead for your child's growth trajectory and whether your chosen stroller will adapt to height, weight, and mobility adjustments. Think about terrain and distance requirements.
There are many adaptive strollers on the market. The one for you will make outings pleasant, and your child will feel part of the family and the community at large. Practice beforehand and anticipate snags to make your journey as smooth as possible!
