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Nervous about my son making 911 calls
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Okay, so now I’m rather stressed out. 12yo ds (who is high-functioning autistic) has twice, after getting highly upset about something, run to the phone, announced “I’m calling 911” and dialed it then hung up. Both times, they called back and I told them that my autistic son dialed it by mistake, and they said no problem.
However, today I was at the grocery store and 14yo dd & 11yo dd were home along with ds. Their grandfather was also home, watching tv upstairs. He doesn’t usually hear them when they are making a little noise, so he didn’t pay any attention when 14yo dd got into a dispute with 12yo ds. (She’s kind of bossy with him, so no surprise there.) Anyway, he got very upset and called 911 then hung up. Dd told me they called back but none of them answered it, so they sent a squad car.
When dd answered the door, she told them her 12yo brother dialed it by mistake, but she didn’t mention he is autistic. They did ask her how old she was and if her parents were home. She told them I was at the store but also said her grandfather was upstairs and offered to get him. They said that wasn’t necessary, but they took down her first and last name before they left.
I am stressed out over how to handle this (other than to take away ds’ computer time for the week….which means we might have a very tantrum-filled week), and I don’t know exactly what to do next. What would you do? Has this happened to any of you?
I don’t know if this is something to consider, but my mom has a sticker in a corner of her front window, by the door, that mentions that there is a person (my brother) with austism in the house and that they might not respond to commands, instructions, etc in an emergency situation. This would alert any police officer coming to the door that they’re dealing with autism and it might smooth things over more quickly.
And maybe some role plays/social stories with your son to help him understand when and why to call 911.
And a family rule that the phone needs to be answered if they know that 12yrold called 911?
I have a friend who’s son has done this MANY times. He’s younger though and he’s done it for a variety of reasons at differnt times. By now the police know who he is and they have at times given him a stern lecture about using it property, etc. His mom is on a first name basis with a few of their city cops. I think it’s been so time now that he’s done it, he may have finally stopped. But the cops were good about realizing he had development issues (he’s never had an actual diagnosis yet, but he has many symptoms of Autism as well as other things, hence why they haven’t gotten a clear diagnosis) and handled it accordingly. In your case I would also make sure the other kids do tell the office about the autism if it happens while you’re gone again. They may even have it on record for future references for other officers that may respond to calls if it happens again.
I really, truly appreciate the encouragement from you ladies have given me, and the suggestions. I believe I will call our police district on Monday and talk to them about it.
I did have a talk with my older daughter as well. I understand she is under stress having a brother who is autistic and aggressive at times, but I don’t see the kind of battles they get into happening between my son and his younger sister, who is just a year younger. Of course, she has a much gentler and patient manner with him, while the older one is definitely a “bring it on” type of personality. He can really push her buttons, and he knows it. At the same time, I am trying to get her to treat him with more compassion (no name-calling or put-downs spoken towards him).
I believe I am going to have to go back to taking him with me wherever I go…..I keep reminding myself that there will come a day when they are grown up and I miss having them around 24/7.
Sue, I found the sticker my mom uses at http://www.autism-society.org. It’s $3. You could make something similar if you wanted. I think it’s a good idea to talk with the local police so they’re aware of the situation….and to talk with your daughter about how she needs to handle the situation if it happens again. I pray that eventually she’ll be able to develop a loving, patient, compassionate relationship with him. I understand how difficult it is though.
Sue,
I understand what you mean about the calls. My son did the same thing. UGH! I fortunately made it home before the police arrived and explained it to him. He knew them anyway. Which probably wasn’t good because he was more comfortable with him. However, he was embarrassed and didn’t want to come down to talk to the officer. 🙂 I was glad because he was embarrassed so he knew he did wrong. He just threatened to call after that but I told him if he makes false reports then they can take him in front of the judge and he will probably have to do work for the city or they could put him in a juvenile (kids) jail. Well, work and jail must have been the right combination because he hasn’t done it since. Not that he wouldn’t do it again because I think he might. It did stop it for now though…. 🙂 If the police come out to the house in our state they have to notify DHS. So expect a knock on the door from your local social services soon. Just a heads up so you know to clean. 🙂 Just so you won’t be caught off gaurd. 🙂 Good Luck and blessings!
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