Who this autism and sensory sheet helps
This sheet can help autistic people, nonspeaking or minimally speaking people, people who use AAC, people with sensory sensitivities, children or adults who may have difficulty communicating during stress, and caregivers who want important support information easy to find before an emergency happens.
For a less specific option, see the general emergency information sheet. For children with multiple diagnoses, devices, or care instructions, see the medically complex child emergency information sheet.
Communication comes first
Some people speak, some use a few words, and some communicate without speech. Communication may include an AAC device, speech-generating device, picture board, letter board, gestures, signs, typing, writing, facial expressions, sounds, movement, or help from a trusted communication partner. Not speaking does not mean not understanding. The printable can help keep the person's preferred communication supports easy to find.
Helpful communication and sensory details to gather
Helpful details may include preferred name, communication style, AAC device or communication tools, words or signs the person may use, sensory triggers, calming supports, safe touch or personal space needs, elopement or wandering risk if applicable, seizure history if applicable, medication-list location, allergies, emergency contacts, support-plan location, and caregiver notes.
If seizures are part of the person's history, see the seizure and epilepsy emergency information sheet.
Where to keep it
Keep a copy somewhere easy to find, such as in a caregiver binder, school packet, travel bag, emergency kit, medication folder, respite care notes, or with a trusted family member. A copy may also be useful for babysitters, school staff, home aides, camp staff, first-responder programs, or care handoffs.
Caregivers helping an adult who lives alone may also want the older adult living alone emergency information sheet for home access, contact, and support details.
When to update it
Review the sheet whenever communication tools, sensory needs, triggers, support strategies, caregiver contacts, medications, allergies, seizure history, elopement or wandering concerns, school or care routines, or emergency instructions change.
Autism, communication, and sensory words families may hear
Families and caregivers may hear words like autism spectrum disorder, autistic, nonspeaking, nonverbal, minimally speaking, AAC, speech-generating device, communication board, picture symbols, sign language, sensory sensitivities, sensory overload, meltdown, shutdown, stimming, triggers, support strategies, elopement, wandering, bolting, personal space, safe touch, preferred routine, noise sensitivity, light sensitivity, tactile sensitivity, vestibular input, proprioceptive input, interoception, occupational therapy, speech-language pathologist, and caregiver handoff. The printable can point trusted helpers toward the terms, contacts, support details, and plan locations that apply to the person's actual support plan.
How YourEMR helps beyond paper
A printable sheet is a useful backup, especially for communication and sensory information that needs to be found quickly. YourEMR can also help keep this information organized digitally, update it when details change, print a fresh copy, and choose what can be shared through an emergency QR link.
Want an updateable version? Create Free Account or try the demo.
Learn more about autism, AAC, sensory needs, and safety
These outside resources are for general education only. Always follow the person's care plan, communication plan, school plan, and emergency instructions from their medical or support team.
General information about autism spectrum disorder, communication differences, behavior differences, screening, and resources.
Plain-language information about social communication, behavior, learning, movement, and attention differences that may be associated with autism.
Plain-language information about AAC, including communication methods besides talking.
Professional information about AAC systems, communication tools, and speech-language support.
Family-focused information about wandering, elopement, emergency planning, and safety.
Safety toolkit information for families and caregivers focused on wandering and emergency preparedness.
Safety planning resource with information about emergency preparedness, community awareness, and support needs.
Caregiver information about wandering, elopement, water safety, and planning ahead.
First-responder awareness information about autism, communication differences, sensory triggers, lights, sounds, and touch.
Self-advocacy resource about the right to communicate and the importance of communication access.
Education about sensory processing differences, including heightened or lowered sensitivity to sensory input.
Emergency disclaimer
These free sheets are informational organization tools only. They are not medical records, diagnosis tools, treatment plans, medical advice, or legal advice, and they do not replace 911, EMS, clinicians, medical records, medication labels, device manuals, care plans, patient portals, or professional guidance.
