How to Best Support Your Child with Autism During the LA Wildfires 

Written by Katrina Nhan, M.S., BCBA

The LA wildfires have brought uncertainty and disruption to many families, and for those with children with autism, these challenges can feel especially overwhelming. Stressful environments, changes in routine, and sensory sensitivities can make this time particularly difficult.

If you’re feeling like you’re in survival mode, know that it’s okay to focus on the basics. Here are practical, real-world tips to help your child feel safe and supported during this challenging time—no special tools or advanced planning required.

1. Keep Things Simple and Reassuring

Children with autism often rely on predictability, and wildfires disrupt everything from routines to living spaces. Focus on simplicity and reassurance:

• Use Short, Clear Phrases: “We’re staying here to stay safe. We’ll go back home when it’s safe again, we are okay”

• Offer Frequent Reassurance: Remind them, “We’re together, and you are going to be okay.”

• Find a Quiet Spot if Possible: In shelters or hotels, identify a calmer area where your child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

2. Develop an Emergency Plan Together

Having a plan can provide both you and your child with a sense of preparedness.

• Practice Evacuation Drills: Familiarize your child with the steps and locations they might encounter during an evacuation.

• Create a Visual Checklist: Use images, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device, or words to outline what to pack or do in an emergency.

• Involve Your Child: Let them help pack a “go bag” with their favorite items, snacks, and sensory tools, as well as their emergency contacts.

3. Focus on Basic Needs

In a crisis, meeting your child’s immediate needs is the priority:

• Keep Hydrated and Fed: Offer water and simple, accessible snacks like crackers or fruit from relief stations or nearby stores.

• Allow Downtime If Possible: Even in busy environments, carve out moments for your child’s preferred activities, such as rest or quiet activities like drawing or listening to music.

• Comfort Over Perfection: It’s okay if meals or routines look different—focus on keeping your child calm and cared for.

4. Adapt to Sensory Needs with What’s Available

Sensory sensitivities can be heightened in stressful situations, but you can use everyday items to help:

• Noise Sensitivity: If noise is overwhelming, let your child wear a hoodie over their head or offer tissues as makeshift earplugs.

• Weighted Comfort: Use available items like folded blankets, backpacks, or even a coat to provide calming pressure.

• Visual Soothing: Look for simple, calming visuals like dim lighting or focus objects, such as a flashlight or a phone screen.

5. Engage in Simple Calming Activities

Distraction can help reduce anxiety. Here are a few low-effort ideas:

• Interactive Games: Play simple verbal games like "I Spy" or count objects in your surroundings.

• Movement Breaks: Encourage your child to jump, stretch, or walk around a safe area to release energy.

• Creative Expression: Provide paper and pens or let them doodle on a phone or tablet if available.

6. Maintain a Sense of Routine, if Possible, Even in Small Ways

It’s okay if your usual schedule looks different, and it’s important to prioritize comfort over perfection. However, whenever possible, small routines can create a sense of stability:

• Keep Familiar Elements: Stick to bedtime rituals like singing a favorite song or telling a story.

• Structured Mealtimes: Serve food at consistent intervals if possible, even if the meals themselves are different.

• Repeatable Activities: Introduce a simple daily routine, like reading together, to create structure.

7. Help Your Child Express Their Feelings

Children with autism may struggle to articulate their emotions during stressful times.

• Simple Questions: Ask, “Are you happy/sad/scared?” or “Does anything feel too loud or too bright?”

• Encourage Nonverbal Communication: Allow pointing, gestures, or other nonverbal cues, like a feelings chart to help them express themselves.

• Provide Comfort: Sit close, hold their hand, or offer hugs if they’re receptive to physical touch.

8. Reach Out for Support When Needed

If your child is struggling to adjust, professional guidance can help.

• Behavior Frontiers ABA Therapy: Our therapists are trained to assist families in adjusting to change and addressing behavioral challenges during emergencies. We’re here to help your child maintain progress and stability.

• Mental Health Support: Reach out to hotlines like the National Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) for immediate emotional support.

9. Take Care of Yourself Too

You can better support your child when you’re managing your own stress:

• Give Yourself Grace: Focus on doing what you can, rather than trying to achieve perfection.

• Talk to Someone: Share your feelings with a friend, family member, or a professional to lighten the emotional load.

• Take Small Breaks: Even brief moments to breathe or rest can help you recharge and stay grounded.

Supporting a child with autism during the LA wildfires doesn’t require perfect planning or special tools. By focusing on immediate needs, adapting to what’s available, and keeping things as simple and calm as possible, you can help your child feel safe and supported during this challenging time.

If you need additional support, Behavior Frontiers is here to help. Our ABA therapy services are tailored to your child’s unique needs, offering compassionate, evidence-based care to help them navigate life’s challenges.

For more information and support, contact us by filling out the form here, or learn more about our services here.

Resources for those affected by the wildfires in Southern California:

Human Emergency Shelters & Resources:

• County of Los Angeles Emergency Resources

• Red Cross Emergency (Mobile App)

• HUD Housing and Shelter Resources (Mobile App)

• Arcadia Community Center - 375 Campus Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007

• Westwood Recreation Center - 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025

• El Camino Real Charter High School - 5440 Valley Circle Blvd Woodland Hills, CA 90025

• Ritchie Valens Recreation Center - 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd Pacoima, CA 91331

• Pomona Fairplex - 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

Animal Emergency Shelters:

• Los Angeles Equestrian Center (Large Animals) - 480 W Riverside Dr. Burbank, CA 91506

• Pierce College Equestrian Center (Large Animals) - 7100 El Rancho Dr. Woodland Hills, CA 91371

• Carson Animal Care Center (Small Animals) - 216 W Victoria St. Gardena, CA 90248

• Downey Animal Care Center (Small Animals) - 11258 Garfield Ave. Downey, CA 90242

• Baldwin Park Animal Care Center (Small Animals) - 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

Fire Alerts and Safety Updates:

• Watch Duty Wildfire Map & Alerts (Mobile App)

• CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

• Ready LA County Emergency Notifications

Air Quality Updates:

• AirNow Fire and Smoke Map

• AirNow Mobile App

Mental Health and Emotional Support Services:

• CalHOPE Crisis Counseling

• National Disaster Distress Helpline: Text "TalkWithUs" to 66746 or call 1-800-985-5990 Department of Mental Health

• Mental Health and Stress Resources

Financial Assistance for Families Impacted by Fires:

• Disaster Assistance

• LA County Wildfire Recovery Resources

Childcare:

• YMCA is offering free childcare for children of first responders, essential workers and families who have been displaced, evacuated or who have otherwise experienced loss. To find your nearest Y, please visit ymcala.org/locations.

Restaurants offering free meals to evacuees and first responders:

• Blaze Pizza - Glendale: 3210 Glendale Galleria.

• Crustacean, 468 N Bedford Dr., in Beverly Hills

• Dtown Pizzeria, 8424 Santa Monica Blvd #D, in West Hollywood

• Dudley Market, 9 Dudley Ave, in Venice

• Fiorelli Pizza, 1039 Abbot Kinney Blvd., in Venice

• La Sorted's, 2847 Sunset Blvd., in Los Angeles

• Norms, participating locations

• Sonoritas Prime Tacos, 2004 Sawtelle Blvd. (West LA) and 1050 Flower St. (DTLA)

• Sora Craft Kitchen, 1109 E 12th St., in Los Angeles

• Sunday Gravy, 1122 Centinela Ave., in Inglewood

• Yeastie Boys, multiple locations

• Tatsu Ramen, 319-9 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena

• World Central Kitchen, Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St., Pasadena

Food and housing resources:

• 211LA/Airbnb temporary housing: CS Care

• Food and shelter: Call 1-800-RED CROSS or American Red Cross | Help Those Affected by Disasters

• Food and shelter: Call 211

• Food banks: Locate a Partner Agency

• Meals and animal boarding: MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources - Google Drive

Rideshare Assistance

• Lyft is offering two rides up to $25 each ($50 total) for Los Angeles residents impacted by wildfires. Use code CAFIRERELIEF25 now through Jan. 15 at 11:59 p.m.

• Uber is offering rides worth up to $40 for free to those who use the code WILDFIRE25, while Lyft is offering two free rides worth up to $25 to 500 riders using the code CAFIRERELIEF25. Uber drivers' earnings will not be impacted by the free rides.

• The code is valid for up to 500 riders, and is being offered as part of the Lyft Up Disaster Response program.

Telephone Communications

• Now through Wednesday, Jan. 15, T-Mobile is offering unlimited talk, text and data for T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless customers who do not have these services as part of their current plan.

• These services are being made available to customers in Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Los Angeles, Palisades, Pasadena and Sierra Madre.

Health Assistance

• Planet Fitness: The fitness chain is offering evacuees and first responders’ free access to their facilities, including showers, locker rooms, and Wi-Fi until January 15th.

About Katrina Nhan, M.S., BCBA

Katrina Nhan received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health with a Minor in Developmental Disabilities in 2015. Her minor in Developmental Disability is where she found her passion in working with kids with disabilities. She worked with typical developing children as a tutor and teacher aide since 2011 and interned at Pediatric Therapy Network in 2015. Katrina started at Behavior Frontiers in 2013 as a behavior technician. While completing her Master’s degree in Counseling option in Applied Behavior Analysis at California State University of Los Angeles, she was working at Behavior Frontiers as a Senior Behavior Technician. After graduating from CSULA in 2018, she became a case manager and obtained her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification shortly after. She is currently overseeing the Inland Empire, some Greater LA area, and Northern California regions. She enjoys working with different funding sources, regional centers, and school districts. She hopes to make a bigger impact and continue to help make a difference in children’s lives.