Dealing with money

Money is a part of everyday life. Common activities involving money may include purchasing an item while shopping or withdrawing money from an ATM. When people with autism are out in the community, they will most likely find themselves using money in some way. It is critical for our community to learn the skills to safely deal with money.

Tips for handling and exchanging money

• Do not carry more than $25.00 of paper currency at any given time.
• Keep five (5) one dollar bills.
• Keep four (4) quarters in your pocket at all times.
• Keep paper currency in a wallet/purse OR use a money clip.
• If using a debit card, do not share the pin number with anyone.
• Minimize the spending limit on a credit card.
• Do not give any information concerning credit card numbers to anyone.
• If using an ATM, do so during daylight hours.
• Be cognizant of your surroundings when using an ATM.
• If people are standing around the ATM machine, wait until they leave to make withdrawal.
• Ensure the password entered is not seen by anyone.
• If a person is using a cell phone or operating a computer near the ATM, do not use the machine.

David Munday – Law Enforcement Consultant/BlueLine Advantage, LLC

Tips for safe shopping

• If the store is visited often, introduce the person with autism to the clerks by name.
• Physically show the person with autism where to go in case you are separated in the store.
• Ensure the person has a cell phone in case of emergency.
• Demonstrate the proper shopping procedures and point out specific areas of the store he or she may need to go.
• If using a cart, demonstrate how to be courteous to other shoppers.
• Ensure that the person keeps money close to his or her body and only handles it in appropriate places (e.g., at store counters when paying for items, NOT while walking down a busy street).

David Munday – Law Enforcement Consultant/BlueLine Advantage, LLC
Chris Lacey, President of Autism ALERT, Inc.