Additional considerations
Risk prevention in daily activities for people with autism must follow a rigorous approach adapted to their specific needs, linked to the very criterion of organization at work that prevents the worker from psychosocial risk factors in his or her job.
One of the objectives is to establish the safety of the person with autism grade 1 in the activity he/she performs, from the ISTC occupational safety in relation to preventive safety plans and action plans to be developed, knowing in advance the risks of the person, adapting the safety plans in a preventive way in the organizational aspect that allow for coordinated actions with family members and other professionals in the health sector with functionality.
Considerations for Risk Prevention and Safety in Surf Therapy
Risk prevention for individuals with autism requires a tailored approach that addresses their specific needs and minimizes psychosocial risks in the work environment. Ensuring safety involves the following key steps, with additional measures for participants with epilepsy.
General Safety Protocols:
Pre-Session Preparation: Ensure that safety plans and action protocols are in place and tailored to the specific needs of each participant, with coordination among family members and health professionals.
Identification of Risks: Evaluate potential risks and adapt safety plans accordingly to prevent any issues during surf therapy sessions.
Emergency Readiness: Identify the nearest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and ensure availability of health resources on the beach, including a first aid kit, emergency contact information, and health profile sheets for all participants.
Protocols for All Participants;
Session Planning: Develop a session plan ensuring adherence to safety and preventive protocols. This includes checking equipment, reviewing safety reports, and preparing for potential incidents.
Activity Supervision: Oversee activities to ensure they are conducted in designated safe zones with proper control of currents and waves. Coordinate with local medical, rescue, and lifeguard services as needed.
Emergency Protocols: Activate emergency protocols if needed, ensuring all team members are aware of their roles and responsibilities in case of an emergency.
Specific Considerations for Participants with Epilepsy;
The incidence of epilepsy in people with autism is related to more severe cases of disability, affecting more people with grades 2-3 of autism and in infantile stages.
Treatment of epilepsy in autism is usually functional.
People with autism who present diagnosed epilepsy usually have controlled seizures with background treatment regulated by a neurologist, so it is unlikely that in populations with G1 ASD, the risks due to the presence of epilepsy are frequent and the chances of the appearance of seizures being under control by background treatment are unlikely.
It is advisable that the guardian-family sign a specific consent authorizing the participation in the surf therapy activities, being also able to provide neurologist reports that authorize the practice without risks, considering the activation of the protocols of the manual.
Specific Considerations for Participants with Epilepsy:
Health Management: Ensure that participants with epilepsy have their condition under control with medication prescribed by a neurologist. Obtain consent from guardians and provide necessary medical reports.
Pre-Activity Preparation:
Health Profile: Prepare a detailed health profile sheet for participants with epilepsy, including emergency contact numbers.
Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that a second phone is available to notify emergencies if the family's phone is not operational.
Adaptations and Safety Measures:
Activity Adaptation: Adjust the session to regulate physical intensity, cognitive involvement, and emotional responses. Adapt the environment by managing heat, light, and wave conditions.
Equipment and Support: Utilize safety resources such as floats and helmets as needed. Ensure ratios are 2:1 for additional support.
Identification and Safety Zones: Clearly identify participants with epilepsy using specific clothing and ensure they are in safe working areas away from high-traffic zones.
Emergency Response for Epileptic Seizures
Control Procedures: In case of a seizure, ensure immediate response following the established safety protocols. This includes coordinating with medical and lifeguard services and utilizing trained rescue techniques.
Session Management: Continue monitoring the session, with extended rest times and use of soft teaching boards. Ensure that activities remain within waist-deep water and are conducted in controlled foam breakers.
