Autism and exiting on firedrills

Each person with Autism is different. For the most part they don't like their routine disturbed. Does he cooperate in a fire drill during the day? Does he take night time medications that would make him groggy? Is he being woke up for this fire drill. We have a 14 yr. old family member that is high funtioning and has  Autism and every day is an adventure. Blessings, Veronica

Hi

All I can think of is going through the routine with this one child on his own where he knows it is a safe setting. Getting him used to the routine with a trusted adult will hopfully make him confident to do it in a real life situation. If he is able to practise where he knows nobody will judge him if he make a "mistake" then he can perfect his escape route. Hope this is helpful.

Sarah B

I specialize more in early intervention for autism, but this suggestion may help in your case.  Basically, find a motivation for the child and make it fun or interesting to participate.  So, if he has a particular interest in something (let's say, obsessed with multiplying numbers), make up a scenario that involves adding that interest into the firedrill.  When you wake him up, be loving and happy.  Tell him it's time for drills and multiplying!  Hand him a card with a multiplication problem.  After 10 feet, he'll get the answer and a high-five as the "master of the night-time multiplication drill" and after another 10 feet, he'll get another problem, etc.  Practice it during the day a few times and remind him it will happen at night.  Make it enjoyable, non-stressful, fun...  Be imaginative.  We have no idea how stressful the drills are to his sensory system -- or whatever other reason he may have for resisting.  By using his motivations in a fun way, you are building up trust and hopefully the resistance will fade.