Child First Occupational Therapy Services

Hi,

Thanks for sharing this interesting info on this forum. I would like to take this opportunity to throw some more light on tracking device and how they can be used for children with Autism.

I am a paediatric occupational therapist and also accredited to do Equipment and Modification  assessment . I am not sure about India but the need of a tracking device is increasingly becoming popular for some children with autism (especially those with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and escaping, wandering behaviour) in New Zealand and Australia. Here in New Zealand, government would fund for such devices provided that there is a comprehensive behavioural plan around how to manage the child’s escaping behaviour. Usually a child who needs tracking device would also need complex housing modification (like a fenced play area, safety locks on doors & windows, safety window glasses etc). The idea is to provide a safer area to live rather than applying any kind of restrain.

The hard reality is that most of the available tracking devices (at least those available in NZ) have their own advantages and disadvantages. For example-

Wandatrack- http://www.aucklandsar.org.nz/wandatrack/

http://www.gpstracking4u.com/trackingyourkids.htm

You may like to follow the links to get some ideas.

Some important features to look for in a tracking device are-

• Response time: Say if the child leaves your property (home) then after what interval of time the GPS can alarm you that he/she has escaped. Is that time small enough to keep the child safe? (E.g. the child can be out on the road putting his safety at risk).

• What surface area can be covered by the tracking device?

• How much is the ongoing cost?

• How small will be the “transmitter” so that the child can wear it? (E.g. not all children can carry an I phone in their pocket).

• Children with high intelligence may refuse to wear a bracelet or pendant.

I understand that the latest smart phones have much advanced technology and efficient GPS system. Also some companies already use efficient tracking devices for their employees.

However, I am not sure how successfully these technologies can be applied to children with autism. Currently I have 3 such children on my case load and I am trying hard to look for an appropriate tracking device for them. I wonder if there is any option available out there.

I have limited knowledge of technology as I am not an IT expert. I will be interested to know from the parents, especially the IT experts in this group on their ideas around the tracking device. I will love to touch base and offer my support to the tech experts in this group who have the enthusiasm & interest to develop such a device.

Thank You

Harsh