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Car seat / harnesses

NAS62570

My 5 year old nephew was diagnosed with autism and recently we've really been struggling with him in the car. He sometimes has meltdowns in the car or just generally decides to get out of his car seat - which is so dangerous. 

It's gotten to the point where my sister can't go out in the car because she's knows he'll unstrap himself while she's driving and get in the front seat to hit her.

Because it's half term and she has an 8 year old that wants to go places in the car so public transport isn't ideal.

She's tried different straps that you can't unbuckle, but he's so strong he can get out of anything. I've seen butterfly harnesses but they say not suitable for a car, and he's too big for general car seats now so we're finding it difficult to get the right thing. 

Does anyone know of a UK approved harness, strap or car seat aimed at autistic children from the age of 5 that he definitely won't be able to get out of? 

Thanks in advance

  • in reply to NAS62570

    Most definitely agree getting him safely strapped in and preventing him undoing straps is most important, I was merely speculating on long term ideas.

    My daughter hates the car but she is terrified and won't move just screams slow down (at 5mph!) luckily she only has to go in the car once or twice a year.

  • in reply to NAS39248

    Thanks for your reply :) 

    It could be anything that sets him off down to a memory he suddenly had that puts him in a mood. We think he might also have ADHD as he rarely concentrates and throws things he has (my sister and other nephew both had black eyes last week from this) 

    He also unbuckles my other nephews seatbelt while driving too, I think it's just something he does. 

    At the moment for safety I feel having him strapped securely is best then trying different things while he's secure. 

  • Not sure what these are like

    https://www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/children/travel-seats-&-accessories-2822/

    But have you considered why he doesn't like the car? Is it sensory problems or anxiety? In which case strapping him in will stop the danger but is not going to solve the problem and will probably end up making things worse 

    Try to work out what causes the meltdown. Could providing earphones or sensory toys to encourage self regulation help?