Ensuring the Safety of Autistic Children in Our Boarding School

Note: This article is continuously being revised and stands as an overview of ideas.

At our autism-friendly boarding school, we understand that safety is a top priority for parents. Children with autism require a structured, nurturing, and secure environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive. One of the biggest concerns for parents is ensuring that their child is always safe from abuse or mistreatment, especially in vulnerable moments like bathing, sleeping, or when away from direct parental supervision.

To address these concerns, we have implemented strict safety policies and innovative measures that ensure the well-being of every child in our care.

1. Parent-Led Assistance in Personal Care

• Parents and designated parent caregivers handle morning routines such as waking up, brushing, and bathing.
• Every child is supervised by a trusted adult familiar to them, reducing the risk of misconduct.
• No local staff or solo volunteers are permitted in dormitories or personal care areas.
• Only elderly female caregivers are assigned to assist children who need help with personal care, such as bathing and toileting, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all. These caregivers are always supervised by parents.

2. Multiple Supervisors and Camera Monitoring

• No single staff member is ever left alone with a child during personal care or bedtime routines.
• Shared spaces have entry/exit cameras (without violating privacy) to ensure proper monitoring.
• A buddy system ensures that assisted bathroom routines are always supervised by multiple caregivers.

3. Strict Hiring Policies and Limited Staff Roles

• All staff undergo extensive background checks, police verification, and psychological screening before hiring.
• Every employee must sign a zero-tolerance policy against any form of misconduct.
• Local hired staff are only responsible for duties such as cleaning, gardening, and maintenance, and they are always supervised by parents.

4. Secure and Transparent Bathing & Sleeping Arrangements

• Bathrooms are designed with supervised yet private cubicles, ensuring a balance of privacy and safety.
• A large communal dressing area allows multiple parents and caregivers to be present, ensuring constant supervision.
• No outside staff is allowed inside a bathing area or dormitory under any circumstances.
• Boys and girls have separate accommodations to ensure safety and comfort.
• Elderly female caregivers, under parental supervision, provide necessary assistance while ensuring the child’s dignity and well-being.

5. Supervised Toilet Assistance

• Three-parent toilet guard duty: At least three parents or caregivers are stationed outside restrooms to track who enters, exits, and with whom.
• Two-person rule: No child is assisted by a single adult; two caregivers must always be present.
• Timed check-ins: If a child is inside for too long, caregivers are notified to check.
• Secure toilet cubicle design: Semi-private stalls with half doors or curtains allow for privacy while ensuring visibility from the outside.
• Elderly female caregivers are assigned to assist children during toilet visits when necessary, ensuring comfort and security.

6. AI and Technology-Enabled Safety Measures

• AI-powered motion sensors outside bathrooms and dormitories detect unusual activity.
• AI-driven behavioral analysis flags suspicious interactions for investigation.
• Live-streaming options for parents provide real-time visibility of their child’s activities.

7. Parental Committee for Continuous Safety Reviews

• A Parental Safety Committee regularly evaluates and improves procedures, blind spots, lighting arrangements, and security protocols.
• Regular meetings and feedback sessions help identify and resolve potential safety concerns.

8. Night Staff and Emergency Protocols

• Dedicated night shift parent volunteers rotate in dormitory halls to ensure supervision.
• AI-powered motion detectors monitor hallways and bathroom entry points to detect movement.
• Emergency alarm buttons in dormitories and bathrooms allow children to call for immediate assistance.
• Nighttime toilet assistance: Parents on duty maintain a toilet check log to track children’s bathroom visits, ensuring they are always accompanied safely.
• Elderly female caregivers are available at night to assist children who need help using the bathroom, ensuring both safety and dignity.
• Flashlights and well-lit pathways ensure safe movement at night.

9. Parental Leadership and Responsibility Distribution

To maintain a strong supervision system, different parents are assigned leadership roles in key areas:

• Mess Hall Supervisor – Ensures meals are prepared and served safely, and monitors dining interactions.
• Outdoor Activities Supervisor – Oversees swimming pool time, playground activities, and outdoor events.
• Library & Movie Time Supervisor – Ensures a structured and safe environment during educational and recreational sessions.
• Security & Camera Monitoring Supervisor – Manages surveillance footage and ensures cameras function correctly.
• Entry & Gate Supervisor – Oversees all gate activity, tracks visitors, and verifies authorized personnel.
• Local Staff Supervisor – Monitors cleaning and maintenance staff to ensure they adhere to safety protocols.

10. Open Communication and Child Education

• Children are taught safe and unsafe touch using easy-to-understand visuals and AI-based storytelling.
• A confidential reporting system allows parents, children, or staff to report concerns anonymously.
• Regular wellness check-ins with children ensure their emotional and physical safety.

Notes: For personal care only elderly female caregivers, supervised by parents, will assist boys and girls in their private care moments. This decision is made to provide a safer and more comfortable environment for all children, especially those who need assistance with bathing and restroom routines.

Furthermore, we extend similar security protocols to our hospice, palliative care, and assisted care sections for the elderly, ensuring a secure and dignified environment for all residents. Our goal is to create a well-structured, safe, and nurturing community for both children and elders.

Building a Safe and Loving Community

Our school is not just a place for education—it is a home away from home where children feel loved, protected, and valued. By integrating parent involvement, strict supervision, and AI-driven safeguards, we ensure that every child in our community is safe, happy, and well cared for.

If you have any questions or concerns, please Check our helpful FAQ section or reach out to us directly.