One day a few years ago, my kids and I were playing in the backyard. When it came time to come in, I couldn’t find my son. I ran through the gate and checked up and down our street, then searched inside the house. My daughter was there and she didn’t know where he was either. I ran into the backyard again, and that’s when I finally saw him — he was under the porch stairs, sitting in a covered wagon and patiently waiting for me to pull him around the neighborhood. He never once made a sound.
That’s when I thought it would be good for him to wear a tracker.
He’s eloped since then, once through a hole in a construction fence at school (he was caught immediately) and once from the school cafeteria (he went right back to his classroom).
How do you know if you should track your autistic child?
It is a very personal decision to track your child, and the choice will be different for each family. Here are a few things to take into consideration when thinking about whether or not you should purchase a tracker for your child:
- Is your child prone to elopement? If this is not a concern of yours for whatever reason, it might be an unnecessary expense. However, if your child wanders away, even occasionally, you may feel better knowing that you’ll have a way to find them quickly.
- Is a tracker the appropriate solution? For some parents, giving your child a cheap cellphone with a tracking app like “find my iPhone” installed might work instead. For others, a wearable ID tag with your contact information may be enough.
- Can your child reliably communicate their address and contact information? If my daughter ever got separated from me, she knows who to approach for help and how to reach me. My son, on the other hand, cannot. That’s a concern for me.
- Are you concerned about your child’s transportation? If your son or daughter takes a school bus (or any other transport) and you’re afraid they may get on the wrong bus or off at the wrong stop, a tracker may be a good option.
If you decide to use a tracker, what type should you use?
There are quite a few trackers on the market right now. Some cost more than others, and you may even qualify for one free of charge. The three main types of trackers work with different technology: there’s bluetooth (like Tile), via GPS (like AngelSense), or radio frequency (like Project Lifesaver).
- Bluetooth trackers have the most limited range. Depending on the device, you may need to be within 50 yards or so in order for it to work. They may also be your cheapest option, so they are a good option if your child wanders away in public spaces but isn’t an escape artist. Devices like Apple’s Airtag and Tile are bluetooth, but have a workaround for the range limitation: these trackers will anonymously borrow the bluetooth signal of compatible devices (in these examples, other apple product users or those with have downloaded the Tile app) to greatly increase the tracker’s range. These devices usually require an app that connects to the tracker and will display its location.
- GPS units vary significantly in price, but they work the same way as the GPS feature in your smartphone. If you don’t get good cell coverage where you live, then you’ll likely have the same issue with a GPS tracker. Some GPS units have the ability to make calls to specific numbers when a panic button is pressed or give others the ability to audibly check in with the wearer. Device size, battery life, and how the device attaches to your child vary by device. Some well-respected devices are the Gizmo Watch, the Jiobit Smart Tag, and the aforementioned AngelSense. GPS units also usually require an app that connects to the tracker and displays its location.
- Radio Frequency units often have the best accuracy as far as pinpointing location. However, they require specialized equipment and training in order to find the person wearing the tracker. Many law enforcement agencies have access to this type of technology and are trained in its use. Some will even offer them for free or at a reduced cost to people in the community who have a risk of elopement. Project Lifesaver is probably the most well-known radio frequency units. You can search for a participating agency on their site to see if it is available in your area.
Is it an invasion of your child’s privacy to track them?
This is a tough question to answer, especially if the tracker has a “listen in” feature. You have to weigh the possibility of your child eloping and then needing the tracker to be found safely vs their right to privacy. Most of the time, safety and welfare wins out over a right to privacy. Honestly consider all sides before purchasing a tracker.
If your child is old enough, you can set limits on tracking (for example, only when they go to unfamiliar places or locations that might be overwhelming) or you can opt for a tracker that does not have a listening feature, if that is a concern.
Image under CC license.