Victor Antunez

Why Autism Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility In this episode of The Autism Podcast, I sat down with Mary Palacios, founder of Crystal Academy. We also spoke to Officer Flores of the Coral Gables Police Department to tackle a topic that keeps autism parents up at night: safety. As a dad to a nonverbal autistic child, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly an ordinary moment can turn into a dangerous situation. In my work as a Realtor who specializes in helping families with autism and disabilities, I’ve also seen how the right home features and neighborhood can support a family’s safety plan. Mary and Officer Flores brought expert insight into what families, schools, and communities can do to prevent tragedy, focusing especially on wandering, also known as elopement. The Risk Is Real — And Preventable Officer Flores shared the sobering statistics: autistic children are at a dramatically higher risk of wandering. Moreover, drowning remains the leading cause of death for those who go missing. She explained how Coral Gables PD trains officers to respond to autism-related emergencies. Additionally, she explained why quick, informed action can save lives. Mary described how Crystal Academy integrates safety into its daily routines—teaching students awareness skills, partnering with families, and ensuring the school environment minimizes escape risks. For families I work with, I often help them think about how these same concepts—secure environments, water safety, and controlled access—can be part of their housing decisions. Collaboration Between Families, Schools, and Law Enforcement The biggest takeaway? No single person can manage autism safety alone. Officer Flores emphasized that parents should proactively connect with local law enforcement. They should share their child’s profile and ask about autism training programs. Mary reinforced the importance of communication between schools and first responders so that everyone is on the same page if a crisis occurs. Safety Starts Before There’s a Problem This conversation was a reminder that safety planning can’t wait for a scare—it has to be built into everyday life. From door alarms to water safety lessons, every small step counts. When families combine these safety measures with thoughtful housing choices, they create an environment where their child can thrive. 📞 Let’s Connect—Because Your Family Deserves More Than Just a Roof If you’re ready to start the journey or just need advice, I’m here to help. Let’s find a neighborhood and home that truly supports your family’s needs. 📲 Text or call Victor directly at 305.401.6224 👉 Get the FREE Miami-Dade Disability & Autism Newsletter 📚 Download the free Miami Special Needs Resource Directory at — MiamiAutismRealEstateAgents.com/books