Sheletta Brundidge with safety locks. Courtesy: Facebook. Sheletta Brundidge is on a mission to prevent autistic children from drowning, armed with locks, love, and lifesaving lessons.

This Minnesota Mom Is On A Heroic Crusade To Save Autistic Kids From Deadly Dangers!

Sheletta Brundidge is on a mission to prevent autistic children from drowning, armed with locks, love, and lifesaving lessons. 🌊 #News #Minnesota #AutismAwareness

A Minnesota Mother’s Heroic Mission!

COTTAGE GROVE, MN – When Sheletta Brundidge heard about the tragic drowning of Waeys Ali Mohamed, a 4-year-old boy with autism, she felt compelled to act. The boy had gone missing the day before and was found in a creek. Brundidge, a Cottage Grove, Minnesota resident, immediately reached out to support the grieving family.

Brundidge, a mother of four, three of whom are on the autism spectrum, understands the risks autistic children face, especially their tendency to wander and the danger water poses to them.

Sheletta Brundidge and family.
Courtesy: Sheletta Brundidge on Facebook

“Spread Love with Locks” Initiative

Brundidge launched “Spread Love with Locks,” a program designed to provide families with locks to prevent children from wandering. She collaborates with police departments, YMCA locations, and Amazon to distribute these essential safety devices.

One of her upcoming events is in Sutton, Massachusetts, where a 4-year-old autistic girl recently drowned in a neighbor’s pool. The aim is to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from happening again.

Water Safety for Autistic Children

Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related deaths among children, particularly those under 4 and teenagers. For autistic children, the risk is significantly higher. Studies show that autistic children are 160 times more likely to drown than their peers. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of Brundidge’s mission.

Autistic children often wander, a phenomenon known as “eloping from safety,” and are frequently drawn to water. Brundidge emphasizes teaching water safety, including how to avoid water altogether. However, she notes that private lessons can be costly, making them inaccessible for many families.

Safety lock for kids
Courtesy: Sheletta Brundidge on Facebook

Practical Safety Measures

Brundidge advocates for practical safety measures, such as installing keypad locks in homes. She personally uses these locks to secure her own home, ensuring her children cannot leave unsupervised. The locks require a code to open and emit a sound if an incorrect code is entered, alerting parents to any attempt to wander.

Sharing Resources and Knowledge

Brundidge understands the difficulty in accessing resources for autistic children. She has navigated the complex system to find grants, scholarships, and therapy services for her children and now shares this knowledge with other parents. Through her workshops and online platform, SHElettaMakesMeLaugh, she provides invaluable support to families in need.

Creating a Safe and Fun Environment

At Brundidge’s events, children with special needs are the priority. Activities like face painting, tattoos, and balloons ensure they have fun in a safe environment. She wants families to feel supported and understood, not judged.

“Children with special needs are always last on the bus,” she told reporters. “At my events, I want to make sure they know that they are first.”

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Support Over Judgment

Brundidge urges people to offer grace and support to autistic children and their parents, rather than judgment. She emphasizes the hard work and dedication of parents to keep their children safe and happy.

“We’re doing the best we can. We’re doing everything we can and what we need is prayers and support, not judgment and condemnation.”

Join the Mission

Sheletta Brundidge’s work is a beacon of hope for families with autistic children. Check out her website here and Facebook page here.

By spreading awareness and providing practical solutions, she aims to prevent more tragedies and ensure all children can live safely and joyfully. Follow her journey and support her initiatives to make a difference in your community.

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