According to the latest statistic from Autism Speaks" nearly 1 in 45 kids are born with some form of autism.
It's an issue affecting many families here in the Tampa Bay Area and experts at USF are stepping forward to help.
They are giving away Autism & Safety Kit's. The kits provide parents with tips, information and much-needed advice. It covers water and poison safety among others things.
The kit contains:
- CARD-USF informational trifold
- CARD-USF fire truck
- MediPal seatbelt ID
- “Autism Spectrum Disorder &
- Water Safety” brochure
- CARD-USF shark gel pack
- GE window or door alarm
- “Is Your Home Poison-Proof?”
- brochure
- “First Aid for Poisonings” flyer
- Stop sign symbols to place on
- doors/windows
- Project Lifesaver International
- information
- Babysitter’s emergency phone
- numbers guide
- CARD-USF Autism & Safety
- emergency and safety information
- dry-erase magnet
- Pool Safely Water Watcher lanyard
- CARD-USF Autism & Safety booklet
The Center for Autism and Disabilities arming parents with important information to help keep kids safe and out of harm's way.
Parents we spoke with say it's a big help.
"It helps! It's a starting point and it's a guide for things. Maybe things we don't think about," said parent Eunice Acla, whose 4-year-old daughter Lourdes was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.
"We want to make sure that everyone has equal access to the materials that could potentially be life-saving," said CARD executive director Dr. Karen Berkman.
A similar safety kit online could cost up to $50 dollars. USF giving them away for free. Just call 813-974-2532 to have one mailed directly to you.
