I get emails and phone calls almost daily from for-profit companies pitching their products. Let’s face it, with the autism rate now at 1 in 88, we have become a huge market share of consumers. Our kids have become a commodity. To my disappointment, 95% of the folks who get in touch tell me how much they care and how they sincerely want to help families affected by autism – and then ask me how NAA can help them sell their product and make money from the incredibly financially-strapped autism community.
As my eyes roll back in my head, I’m thinking, “Dude! We’re a non-profit, not an advertising agency. You should be asking how YOU can help US!” As the conversation continues, I suggest ways they can provide real help to families affected by autism, if that is their true intent. Would they like to sponsor our programs that provide direct assistance to families? Would they like us to distribute their product for free to families in need? Would they like to offer a discount on their product to families who find it via NAA? Would they like to donate a percentage of their profits to our Big Red Safety Box program? I think you can see where this is going.
So imagine my surprise when I received an email two days ago from a gentleman named Eric telling me about a product he’s developed that folks have told him may be helpful for kids with autism. He said if it will help keep our kids safe, he doesn’t want to make any money on it at all, he just wants to make sure that it is used by the people who need it most. HUH? Is this guy for real?
ChildIDCode has developed technology that can create a QR code that can be read by a smart phone QR scanning app even when cell service or WiFi is unavailable. A unique code is produced for each person and printed on special high-tech stickers that are water-proof and extremely durable. The stickers say, “Scan if lost”. When the code is scanned with a smart phone, two emergency telephone numbers are displayed and can be dialed automatically. I was impressed! What a great tool for parents of kids who wander or bolt – especially for those with sensory issues who cannot tolerate an ID bracelet. If a member of the public or a first-responder with a smart phone found the child, they could scan the code and get in touch with the family. These would be great for school field trips, vacations, even daily trips to the grocery store with our kiddos who tend to bolt. My wheels started turning and I mentioned to Eric that I thought it would be even better – especially for our kids who are non-verbal – if the code could let people know that the wearer has autism. In less than 24 hours, Eric and his programming friends made that happen.
These special childIDcode stickers for kids with autism are now available through NAA’s Big Red Safety Shop. When scanned, they will read, “I Have Autism” and display a caregiver’s emergency telephone number. To introduce the product, Eric has given us 50 5-packs of stickers to give to families for free. You can get yours here, while supplies last. (Sorry, our system can’t process an order for $0, so please donate a buck to NAA to get your free stickers.) And moving forward, NAA will be offering childIDcode stickers in packs of 10 for just $4.99 – this is 50% off the retail price, and available exclusively to autism families. 100% of the proceeds from each order you place will support NAA’s Big Red Safety Box program to help us protect even more kids from wandering.
There ARE people out there who genuinely care about our kids and truly want to help. My heart is full of hope today. Thank you, Eric!
UPDATE: The 50 free sets were GONE in 25 minutes! You can buy packs of 10 for 1/2 price HERE.
For those of you who would like to order stickers for children who do NOT have autism, you can order at http://childidcode.com.
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Could you please pass on the idea of making a very soft silky one that is an iron-on patch for clothing???
Hi Mary, iron-ons are being tested now.
Oh wow! I thought I was going to start crying when I saw these! I ordered them right away! It’s the most terrifying feeling to be out somewhere and have your child bolt away from you. At least these can give us some piece of mind when we are out in public. Thanks so much!
Can you make one for Teenagers that have Aspergers with ADHD? Wish I knew about this site sooner. Great invention! P.S. My Son is 17, and was diagnosed with Aspergers in May 2012. Thanks!
Not to bother you Michelle but I found out from other parents also that their child was diagnosed with Aspergers at a very late age, some teenagers. What were the symptoms and why was it so hard to diagnose this condition earlier (age 17 is very late)? My son is age 8, diagnosed at age 5 with ADHD from a school psychologist (confirmed with CNMC) and we always wondered how the clinician were able to diagnose him especially since our child does not talk to doctors at the appointments. They seem to go by what the parent and teacher report. He also just disappeared at the beach on vacation playing with his bucket and shovel (he lost his shovel and ended up going 1 1/2 miles down the beach not realizing he was lost). He was found 30 minutes later! What a relief. I tried to write in pen the next day where we were on his arm but he wanted a note to carry which would have gotten wet at the beach. Is the sticker water proof?
Susan, the stickers are waterproof. But if you plan to put one on a swimsuit, do a test first, some fabrics may be too “slick” to hold onto the sticker after extended periods of time in water/waves.
Yes this sticker is water proof.
Please let me clarify. If your child is planning to go swimming I don’t recommend the sticker product. Beach playing is acceptable but like Wendy suggested please test it first. Some materials work better than others. We will have an iron-on product coming soon which will be more of a permanent solution for water sports.
I love this Wendy!! Shannon, I love your idea too!
I have a daughter with Phelan McDermid Syndrome a rare syndrome and is non verbal,ADHD and on the Spectrum. This would be absolutely amazing for us.
Can you make this saying my son has Apraxia and put a phone number in them to? My son is 9 and has severe Apraxia and cannot speak. These would be wonderful for him too.
We are working on customization options that should be available in the near future. The NAA will have access to this feature as soon as it’s available.
This is a fantastic idea! My son does not have Autism, he has Down syndrome and ADHD, is non-verbal and bolts & wanders. This would be a fabulous tool for us. Can this be customized to list other disabilities/special needs than autism?
We are working on customization options that should be available in the near future. I’ll keep this group informed as soon as its up and running.
Awesome idea!!! That would be awesome to make a t-shirt with one of those on it so it would be reusable!!!
Yes, I’m working on a iron-on option.
Oh my gosh!! Please thank Eric for this wonderful and much needed gift to the autism community! I have struggled and worried for years in order to find some way to protect my son if he should get seperated from me or lost. He has many sensory issues and won’t wear anything on his body, so this can be an absolute life saver for him! Bless you Eric for offering this gift from your heart!!
Your very welcome. This is the bravest group of people I have every met. Thank you for the kind words.
You and your associates are amazing. I don’t have a child with Autism but have friends who do. You can sleep well at night knowing that you have made a lot of parents be able to sleep well at night. Kudos to you!
Kudos to Eric and his programming friends – what an awesome idea! I so wish I had something like this when my boys were younger. I hope these get to the people who need them most.
Wow! All 50 free sets GONE in less than a half hour! I take it you guys like this idea?
My daughter has Autism and I absolutely love this idea, I was wondering if the scanned message could be customized for other conditions or disabilities!
I am the director of a special needs beauty pageant and I was thinking about these for our goody boxes!
Thanks!
Yes. I should have a few options available shortly. Great suggestion. Thank you.
Wow! What an amazing concept!