Autism bracelets are important identification tools for children on the spectrum. They provide the necessary information in difficult social situations and emergencies, but also promote the acceptance of autism spectrum disorder. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when choosing an autism bracelet for your child.
What Is an Autism Bracelet?
An autism bracelet is a medical ID bracelet for individuals with autism. The main purpose of the bracelet is to let other people know that your child is on the autism spectrum. It can be helpful in social settings, during meltdowns in public, as well as in emergency situations, especially if your child can’t communicate.
The bracelet typically includes the following information:
- The child’s name
- Emergency contact information (parents, doctors)
- Information about the child’s autism
- Special considerations, for example, that the child is non-verbal
- Other medical information, such as allergies, epilepsy, or ADHD.
Autism bracelets and other medical IDs are recommended by many ASD associations. Read on to learn more about why they are important.
Why Are Autism Bracelets Important?
Autism bracelets serve several purposes. Most importantly, they facilitate communication. If your child becomes anxious or behaves inappropriately in public, the autism bracelet will show to others that the child is not acting out but experiencing distress.
The bracelet will also ensure that your child’s autism symptoms are not misdiagnosed by medical professionals in an emergency. For example, repetitive behavior and trouble communicating could be easily mistaken for a shock.
Besides, the chaos of an emergency situation can quickly lead to sensory overload, causing even greater challenges for your child. The bracelet will inform the first responders that your child has autism, so that they can be taken to a calm environment where it will be easier to focus and communicate.
There are many different types of autism bracelets to choose from. Here is what you should keep in mind before setting out to buy one.
Tips for Buying Autism Bracelets
- It can be difficult to convince your child to wear an autism bracelet. Choose a model and a color that your child likes so they will be more likely to use it.
- Look for a bracelet made of durable materials like silicone or leather. Your child will be wearing the bracelet every day, so quality and comfort are essential.
- Other than contact details and medical information, autism bracelets can indicate your child’s special interests, for example, “John loves trains.” Not only will the bracelet feel more personal, but this information may help others reassure your child.
- Choose a bracelet that has the universal medical symbol (a short staff entwined by two serpents) on the front.
- Buy more than one bracelet to make sure you have a replacement on hand.
- Measure your child’s wrist before purchasing a bracelet. In general, the bracelet should be 1/2″-3/4″ larger than the child’s wrist size, however, some styles have alternative sizing recommendations.
- Some engravings are easier to read than others. It is essential that the information on the bracelet is visible and that it doesn’t fade over time.
- Size and line limits can vary greatly between styles. Choose the bracelet that allows for enough engraving space to include all the information you need. Some bracelets can be engraved on both sides.
- When you purchase autism bracelets from top brands, you’ll get more customization options and other features necessary to keep your child safe.
- Children should start using a autism medical alert bracelet as early as possible. The sooner they get used to the bracelet, the faster wearing it will become a habit.
Below, we list some of the most popular brands of autism bracelets for children.
Best Brands of Autism Bracelets
idtagsonline.com
idtagsonline.com offers a collection of stainless-steel medical ID bracelets with adjustable wristbands that fit children’s wrist sizes of up to 6.5″. Contact information is engraved on a durable metal tag that doesn’t come in contact with the skin to avoid sensory issues. Each bracelet comes with a complimentary medical ID emergency card that contains the child’s essential medical information.
ROAD iD
Personalized ROAD iD medical bracelets are a great option for children with autism. The tags allow up to five lines of custom text and have a lifetime guarantee. Comfortable silicone bands stretch easily over the hand, making them easy to put on and take off. Each bracelet comes with a medical alert badge.
Medical ID Fashions
Autism bracelets for children from Medical ID Fashions are made from painted ceramic and pewter beads and are available in many fashionable designs that will appeal to children. The ID tag has four customizable lines for your child’s emergency contact, medical, and other information. Bracelets feature non removable clasps that require two hands to open, so that children can’t remove them on their own.
Alert Me Bands
Alert Me Bands is one of the most popular autism bracelet brands. There are dozens of options to choose from, allowing your child to pick the style they like. Several designs are intended specifically for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Alert Me Bands bracelets are made of high-quality materials suitable for children with tactile sensitivities. Wristbands are lightweight, waterproof, and chew proof. In addition, the bracelets are one-size-fits-all, fully adjustable, and impossible to remove without assistance.
MedicAlert ID
MedicAlert ID offers a wide range of medical ID jewelry for children and teens, from silicone sports band collections to rugged paracord bracelet styles, and even special medical ID bands that can be used with Apple Watches. The rust-resistant titanium emblem is suitable for kids who are sensitive to nickel.
MedicAlert ID lets you select the information you want to engrave on the bracelet from a comprehensive database of conditions validated by health professionals. This prevents spelling and other mistakes that would make it more difficult for emergency responders to understand.
When you enroll your child into the MedicAlert program, you’ll also benefit from the 24/7 Wandering Support Program—if your child gets lost, the MedicAlert Foundation will work together with law enforcement to search for them.
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
