It might be the scariest part of autism.  Wandering.  All parents have felt that paralyzing fear.  You're shopping and when you look up your little one is no longer in sight.  For parents of children with autism is especially frightening for two reasons.  First of all, many children with autism cannot communicate (whether they are verbal, or not) their names or information regarding their families.  They, often times, cannot answer questions and the confusion of being lost can exacerbate their symptoms, making it even more difficult for them to speak or understand speech.  Secondly, and most horribly, is a person with autism's desire to go toward water.  For these reason, these patches from QR Code ID may be one of the greatest ideas of come across, yet.

When I spoke to the founder of this company I made it clear that Kate was not willing to wear any of the safety bracelets, necklaces or tags that we have purchased through various sites.  They sit in our junk drawer because she can't bear to have them around her wrist of her neck.  I even tied them to her shoe and that was too much for her.  Most recently, when we went to Disney World, I placed a temporary tattoo on her arm with our information on it, in case she was lost.  She scratched it until it was gone.  I was running out of ideas to keep her safe in public places.  Kate is not just a wanderer, but a runner.  If you have a runner, you know what I mean.  If she sees fit, she will rip her hand away from yours and tear away towards whatever has drawn her attention.  Sometimes, it is a baby in a carriage, or a dog, but if these things are in a busy public place we can lose track of her very quickly.  (We tried the harness, sensory issues have made that impossible). 

So, it is will great relief I have be sent these patches to sew onto Kate's clothing, in an area that won't aggravate her.  I have added our personal information to the code via the company's website and if Kate were to lose her way and be found by a good Samaritan trying to get her home, they need only to scan the barcode or go to the website  and log in the code to access all of our information. 

So, we are coming to New York this Spring.  If you see a little blonde spitfire running through time square with a Ninja Turtle in each hand, please stop her and scan the patch on her coat so she can get back to us as soon as possible