Our UAB team has published another paper related to injuries in autistic children (see previous post: https://sites.uab.edu/cedd/2025/02/10/study-on-unintentional-injuries-in-asd). The paper, “Lessons Learned From Mothers: Parenting Perspectives for Preventing Pediatric Unintentional Injuries Related to Autism,” was led by recent UAB and LEND graduates Dr. Alecia Mercier, Dr. Brianna Paquette, and Dr. Casie Morgan, with mentorship from Dr. David Schwebel, Dr. Kristi Guest, and Dr. Sarah O’Kelley. To read the published article, click the link above.
Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of nonfatal injury and death in children in the United States, and research suggests that autistic children face an even greater risk for experiencing these injuries. Caregivers of autistic children face many unique challenges, but preventing unintentional injuries is a significant concern. Our recent study explored the lived experiences of mothers of autistic children, shedding light on the immense responsibility they carry to ensure their children’s safety on a daily basis.
The Study at a Glance: The study involved interviews with 15 mothers of autistic children, who shared their concerns, strategies, and personal experiences related to injury prevention. The research aimed to understand how these mothers navigate the heightened injury risks associated with autism and how their safety strategies impact their own well-being.
Key Findings
Constant Supervision Appears to be the Norm. Mothers overwhelmingly reported that close supervision was their primary strategy for preventing injuries. Due to their children’s differences—such as lack of danger awareness, sensory-seeking behaviors, and difficulties with communication—many mothers felt they had no choice but to remain hypervigilant at all times.
Emotional and Physical Toll on Mothers. The study revealed that this constant need for supervision led to stress, exhaustion, and cognitive overload for mothers. Many felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of being their child’s protector, often at the expense of their own well-being. Some even described feelings of isolation, as they found it difficult to trust others to care for their child safely.
Barriers to Teaching Safety Skills. Unlike parents of typically developing children, mothers of autistic children reported limited success in teaching safety behaviors. Many found that traditional safety lessons—such as teaching a child to stop at a crosswalk—did not work effectively for their child, forcing them to rely on direct supervision and environmental control instead.
The Sustainability Challenge. While intensive supervision is effective, many mothers worried about the long-term sustainability of their safety strategies. As their children grow older, the need for independence increases, yet parents struggle to balance this with their child’s ongoing safety needs.
What Needs to Change?
The study highlights a critical need for better support systems for families with autistic children. Pediatric psychologists, pediatricians, and clinicians can work with caregivers to develop practical, multi-system interventions that balance safety with reducing family stress. Some possible solutions include:
- Adaptive safety training: Using tailored approaches, such as visual aids and social stories, to teach autistic children basic safety behaviors.
- Supervision strategies: Helping caregivers identify when and where intense supervision is necessary versus when they can allow more independence.
- Community awareness and support: Encouraging public spaces, schools, and caregivers to implement better safety measures for autistic children.
- Use of technology: GPS tracking devices and other monitoring tools can provide an extra layer of safety, supporting caregivers in protective measures for their children.
Final Thoughts
This study paints a vivid picture of the experience of families in keeping their autistic children safe. While their efforts are often effective, they may come at an emotional cost to the caregivers. Moving forward, there must be greater recognition of these challenges—and more actionable solutions—to ensure children are safe and their caregivers are supported.
