Emergency Preparedness Guide for Autistic Young Adults (18+)

A simple guide for parents and caregivers to help your young adult prepare for emergencies. Autistic young adults often struggle during crises: shutdowns can block 911 calls, sensory overload delays action, and no preparation means panic instead of calm steps. This guide builds a simple crisis system with wall posters, grab-and-go bags, clear scripts, and practice drills so your young adult can respond to fire, medical emergencies, or power outages calmly.

Why Emergencies Are Harder for Autistic Young Adults

During emergencies, autistic young adults may:

• Freeze or shut down instead of calling 911
• Get overwhelmed by sensory chaos (sirens, flashing lights, crowds)
• Forget their address or how to describe the problem
• Panic instead of following steps
• Forget where they are or what to do next

This guide removes those barriers with visual posters, practiced scripts, grab-and-go bags, and timed drills. The goal: your young adult can respond to any emergency in under 2 minutes and evacuate safely in under 5 minutes.

Core Emergency Skills (Non-Negotiable for Solo Living)

Your young adult needs to master these skills until they're automatic. Practice each one with a timer until they succeed 4 out of 5 times.

Skills to practice:

• Call 911 using simple words: "Fire at [address]. I'm at [address]." Repeat address three times.
• Use a fire extinguisher with PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
• Turn off water and gas mains in your apartment or building.
• Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries.
• Check if a door is hot before opening it (use back of hand, not palm).

Practice routine:
Practice one skill per week. Start with calling 911 (use a practice script, don't actually call). Do timed drills: "You have 30 seconds to find and use the fire extinguisher." If your young adult can't do 4 of 5 skills reliably, practice monthly with a support person until confidence improves.

Your role: Time the drills. Give calm feedback. Celebrate when they succeed.

Emergency Wall Poster System

Create large, clear posters and hang them by every door, near the bed, and by the phone. Your young adult should memorize these during calm times so they're automatic during crisis.

Poster 1: Emergency Quick Guide (Main Door and Bedroom)

Print this and laminate it:

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EMERGENCY QUICK GUIDE

FIRE or SMOKE:

1. Feel door with back of hand
2. If hot, crawl low to window
3. If cool, crawl low out of building
4. Close doors behind you
5. Go to meeting spot: [STREET CORNER ADDRESS]
6. Call 911 from outside

GAS SMELL:

1. Leave apartment immediately
2. Do NOT flip light switches
3. Go outside
4. Call 911

NO POWER:

1. Check breaker box
2. Use flashlight
3. Call landlord

WATER LEAK or FLOOD:

1. Turn off water main
2. Move belongings up
3. Call landlord

MEDICAL EMERGENCY (You or Someone Else):

1. If they cannot breathe, move, or talk: Call 911
2. If bleeding won't stop: Apply pressure 5 minutes, call 911
3. If they fell or collapsed: Don't move them, call 911

MY ADDRESS:
[Full address with apartment number—write in BIG letters, repeat this 3 times when calling 911]

MY EMERGENCY CONTACTS:

• Mom/Dad: [Name and phone]
• Trusted person: [Name and phone]
• Landlord: [Name and phone]

MY 911 SCRIPT (read this aloud if you call):
"Hello? I'm at [ADDRESS]. [PROBLEM]. My name is NAME. I have autism."

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Hang this poster by the main door, near your bed, and near every phone. Point to it during practice drills.

Poster 2: Medical Emergency Protocol (Near Bedroom)

Print this and keep it by the bed:

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IF YOU CANNOT BREATHE, HAVE CHEST PAIN, OR HAVE A SEIZURE:
Call 911 immediately
Script: "911? I can't breathe. Address [x3]."

IF YOU ARE BLEEDING AND IT WON'T STOP:

1. Apply firm, direct pressure for 5 minutes
2. Elevate the bleeding area
3. Call 911
   Script: "911? Bleeding from [body part]. Applied pressure. Address [x3]."

IF YOU FALL OR FEEL SOMEONE COLLAPSE:

1. Don't move them (you might make it worse)
2. Call 911
3. Tell them: "Person on the ground. Not moving."

IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS POISONED OR OVERDOSED:

1. Call 911 immediately
2. Tell them what they took (if you know)
3. Stay with them until help arrives
   Script: "911? Possible overdose. Address [x3]."

IF YOU ARE HAVING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS (Very Upset, Suicidal, Wanting to Hurt Yourself):

1. Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
2. Or call 911
3. Tell a trusted adult right away

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Your role: Explain each scenario in advance. Practice the scripts during calm times.

Go-Bag System: Emergency Backpack by the Door

Pack one backpack with essentials and keep it by the front door. Check it monthly and refresh expired items. Your young adult can grab it and leave in under 30 seconds.

Go-Bag Checklist:

Category	Items
Documents	ID, wallet, keys, insurance card, lease copy
Medications	7-day supply in labeled containers (consult with doctor first about storage)
Power & Charging	Phone charger, portable battery pack, USB cable
Cash & Cards	$50 in small bills, debit/credit card
Light & Sound	Flashlight, extra batteries, whistle (for signaling if trapped)
Food & Water	2 water bottles, energy bars or granola bars (nut-free option if allergy risk), nuts (do not use if allergic)
Clothing	Change of clean clothes, socks, underwear, light jacket
Sensory Supports	Noise-canceling headphones, fidget toy, small blanket
Copies	Lease, doctor list, emergency contact card, medical history

Monthly refresh routine:

• Check that water and snacks are fresh
• Recharge the battery pack
• Verify medications haven't expired (consult with doctor first if meds expire)
• Practice grabbing it: "Go-bag drill! How fast can you grab it?" (Goal: under 30 seconds)

Your role: Pack it with your young adult. Label everything. Do monthly practice drills.

Fire Evacuation Plan

Fire is the most common home emergency. Your young adult needs a practiced plan.

Create a floor plan:

Draw a simple map of your young adult's apartment showing:

• All doors and windows
• Fire extinguisher location (if available)
• Meeting spot outside (street corner, fire hydrant, neighbor's house)
• Mark two escape routes in different colors

Post this map by the bedroom door.

Fire evacuation steps (in order):

1. Feel the door with the back of your hand (not palm) before opening.
2. If the door is hot, don't open it—use another exit if available.
3. If smoke is present, crawl low under the smoke toward the exit.
4. Close doors behind you as you leave (slows fire spread).
5. Leave the building completely—go outside.
6. Go straight to the meeting spot and stay there.
7. Call 911 from outside.
8. Never go back inside for belongings, pets, or people.

Fire evacuation script (once outside):

"Hi, I'm calling 911. My apartment is at [ADDRESS]. There's a fire [or smoke] in the [ROOM]. I got out. I'm at [MEETING SPOT]."

Practice drill routine:

• Week 1: Walk through the escape route together (no timer).
• Week 2: Walk the route again and practice the script.
• Week 3: Do a timed drill (goal: 2 minutes from alarm to outside).
• Week 4 onward: Monthly timed drill.

Your role: Time the drill. Give calm feedback. "You made it out in 90 seconds. Great job—faster each time."

Medical Emergency Protocols

Medical emergencies need fast action. Teach your young adult when to call 911 vs. wait.

Call 911 immediately if:

• Cannot breathe or breathing is very shallow
• Chest pain or pressure
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe bleeding that won't stop after 5 minutes of pressure
• Poisoning or overdose (even if unsure)
• Severe injury from fall or accident
• Seizure (especially if it's the first one)
• Choking (unable to cough or speak)
• Severe allergic reaction (swelling, trouble breathing)

Medical emergency script (read slowly and clearly):

"911? I'm at [ADDRESS]. [PROBLEM]. My name is NAME. I have autism."

Example scripts by situation:

Chest pain:
"911? Chest pain level 9. I'm taking [medication name]. Address [repeat x3]."

Bleeding that won't stop:
"911? Bleeding from [body part]. I applied pressure for 5 minutes. Address [repeat x3]."

Severe allergic reaction:
"911? Can't breathe. Swelling in throat. I have a severe allergy to [peanuts/shellfish/etc.]. Address [repeat x3]." (Do not use if allergic: consult with doctor first)

Overdose or poisoning:
"911? Possible overdose. They took [medication/substance if known]. Not responsive. Address [repeat x3]."

Seizure:
"911? Person having seizure. At [ADDRESS]. Seizure started [time]. Not stopping."

Your role: Practice these scripts monthly. Role-play the 911 operator (your young adult calls you and practices the script). Record it so they hear their own voice.

Mental Health Crisis (Suicidal Thoughts or Self-Harm)

If your young adult is in crisis (suicidal, wanting to hurt themselves, extremely depressed or anxious), they need to reach out immediately.

Crisis resources:

• Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) - Free, 24/7, trained counselors
• Text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
• Call 911 if they are actively trying to harm themselves
• Go to nearest emergency room if in immediate danger
• Tell a trusted adult right away (parent, therapist, friend)

Crisis script:
"I'm having a mental health crisis. I'm thinking about hurting myself. I need help. Can you stay with me?"

Your role: Talk openly about mental health. Remove judgment. If they reach out, respond with "Thank you for telling me. You're safe. We'll get help." Crisis is not weakness—it's a sign they need support.

Power Outage and Utility Emergencies

Power outages, gas leaks, and water issues happen. Your young adult should know basic responses.

Power outage:

1. Check the breaker box (if you know where it is).
2. Use a flashlight (not a candle—fire risk).
3. If power returns, great. If not, call the landlord.
4. Food in fridge is safe for 4 hours if you don't open it.
5. Unplug electronics to prevent damage when power returns.

Gas smell (natural gas or propane):

1. Leave immediately—do not flip light switches (can cause spark).
2. Go outside and move away from the building.
3. Call 911 from a safe distance.
4. Don't go back inside until firefighters say it's safe.

Script: "911? Gas smell at [ADDRESS]. I left the building. I'm at [safe location]."

Water leak or flooding:

1. If you can, turn off the water main (ask landlord where it is during move-in).
2. Move belongings up off the floor.
3. Call landlord immediately.
4. Document damage with photos (for insurance claim).

Your role: Show your young adult where the breaker box and water main are BEFORE an emergency. Practice finding them.

Sensory Resets During and After Crisis

Emergencies are sensory chaos: sirens, flashing lights, loud voices, crowds, confusion. Your young adult may shut down. Build a reset plan.

During crisis (what to do if overwhelmed):

• Tell yourself: "This is temporary. I'm safe now. I survived."
• Cover ears if sirens are too loud.
• Ask for quiet space away from crowds.
• Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones if available (have them in go-bag).
• Breathe slowly: In for 4 seconds, out for 6 seconds.
• Ask for a blanket or weighted item (have small one in go-bag).

After crisis (first 24 hours):

• Dim lights; use quiet space.
• Listen to calming music or white noise.
• Avoid bright screens (phone, TV) for a while.
• Eat familiar foods; drink water.
• Get sleep when possible.
• Talk to a trusted person about what happened.
• Avoid replaying the event in your head; focus on what you did right.

Your role: After any crisis (even a small one), do sensory resets together. "Let's dim the lights and sit quietly for 10 minutes. You handled that well."

Practice Drills: Building Muscle Memory

Your young adult learns emergency skills by doing them, not reading. Practice drills are the key.

Monthly drill schedule:

Month	Drill	How
Month 1	911 call	You be the dispatcher; young adult calls and practices script
Month 2	Fire evacuation	Timed walk from bedroom to outside meeting spot
Month 3	Go-bag grab	Time how fast they can grab it (goal: under 30 seconds)
Month 4	Medical emergency	Role-play scenario (you're injured); young adult calls 911
Month 5	911 call (repeat)	Practice with more detail; you ask follow-up questions
Month 6	Utility emergency	Walk to breaker box; practice finding water main

Drill routine:

1. Explain the scenario calmly.
2. Let them do it (don't correct in the moment).
3. After, give feedback: "You said your address clearly. Good job."
4. Do it again (second time is easier).
5. Celebrate: "You know what to do."

Your role: Be patient. Drills feel awkward. That's okay. They build confidence.

Emergency Contact Card (Wallet-Sized)

Print this card and have your young adult carry it in their wallet and keep a copy in their go-bag.

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EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD

MY NAME: Name

MY ADDRESS: [Full address]

I HAVE AUTISM. I may be quieter or more anxious during emergencies.

TRUSTED CONTACTS:

• ________________________________
• ________________________________
• ________________________________

MY MEDICATIONS: [List them]

ALLERGIES: [List all—food and drug]

MENTAL HEALTH: I see [therapist/doctor name] at [phone/location]

IF I'M OVERWHELMED: Give me quiet space and time. I will calm down.

IMPORTANT: I can call 911 and follow instructions. I may just need a moment.

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Your role: Keep a laminated copy in your wallet. Give your young adult one to carry.

What to Do When Something Actually Goes Wrong

Real emergencies happen. Here's what to do after.

After an actual emergency (fire alarm, injury, power outage):

1. Everyone is safe—that's what matters.
2. Talk about what happened (no judgment).
3. Ask: "What went well? What can we improve?"
4. Practice the response again within a week.
5. Build on success: "You called 911. Next time, add your address."

If your young adult froze or panicked (didn't call 911, forgot address, hid):

1. No shame—this is why we practice.
2. Identify what triggered the freeze (sensory overload, fear, confusion).
3. Practice that specific skill more often.
4. Add sensory support (earplugs, advance warning, calm voice).
5. Do not punish—they did their best with what they had.

Your role: Turn every real emergency into a learning experience, not a failure.

Milestones and Tracking

Your young adult should progress from anxious to confident over several months.

Milestone	Timeline	What It Means
All posters up and go-bag packed	Week 1	Ready for crisis
911 call practice (no panic)	Week 2	Can use phone in emergency
Fire evacuation under 3 minutes	Month 1	Muscle memory building
Can describe medical emergency on phone	Month 2	Can get help when needed
Grabs go-bag under 30 seconds	Month 2	Automatic response
Solo practice drill (you watch, don't help)	Month 3	Building independence
Handles small real emergency calmly	Month 6	Skills work in real life

Your role: Celebrate progress. "You knew exactly what to do. You're prepared."

Remember This

Your young adult is more capable in emergencies than you think. Practice builds confidence. The posters, scripts, and go-bag are not because they'll panic—they're because structure and preparation prevent panic.

Emergencies happen to everyone. Your young adult now has a plan. That's powerful.

You belong in your own story, and being prepared means you can help yourself and others. One drill at a time, one skill at a time. Your pace is valid.

SpectrumCareHub – Science-grounded autism family support
Educational resource only – not medical advice

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