Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello, I’m new and desperately need advice. My grandson who is 3 1/2 years old is autistic, ADHD, and non verbal. He has started unlocking his car safety seat buckle. He cannot be stopped, doesn’t respond to instructions (please don’t advise me to chat and explain the safety issues to him). He has no understanding and no sense of danger. It is very difficult to encourage him to do anything to keep him safe. I have searched the internet trying to find something to stop him unlocking the buckle of his car seat and wondered if anyone has bought something or has any constructive advice. I’m struggling to keep him safe in the car.
Hi and welcome to the community.
I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with this issue, which is obviously very worrying indeed.
You might find this article helpful. It's published by the UK's Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), in conjunction with the Department of Transport, and includes suggested solutions:
RoSPA - Transporting Children with Additional Needs
NB Something in the article that struck me as particularly notable / important is a warning about using buckle guards: "RoSPA has recently received notification from the Department for Transport (DfT) that these devices are not legal for use, as they have been ruled as in contravention with Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986."
I saw this on the web: https://www.access-ability.eu/en/products-for-people-with-disabilities-or-reduced-mobility/vehicle-harness-for-challenging-behaviour/ It is not a product of which I have person knowledge, but it looks interesting.