How Special Locks Can Keep Kids with Autism Safe?

Lisa Mailhot  |  October 24, 2024

Buyers

How Special Locks Can Keep Kids with Autism Safe?

 

As realtors, we often talk about the value of a home in terms of square footage or market trends. But for families with children who have special needs, the actual value of a house is in its safety. Sheletta Brundidge, a Minnesota mother of three children with autism, knows this better than most. Her journey to protect her 9-year-old son, Daniel, from escaping the house has been a constant challenge, as wandering tendencies are common among kids with autism. A simple yet life-saving solution—key-coded door locks—has been a game-changer in her case.

Brundidge explains how her family has faced terrifying close calls, including the time Daniel nearly reached a four-lane highway. After finding affordable key-coded locks for around $30, she transformed her home into a fortress, ensuring her son’s safety while easing her constant worry.

 

Her mission to help other families is inspiring. After hearing about a 4-year-old who drowned in Hopkins, Minnesota, and another similar incident, she took it upon herself to hold giveaways, distributing over 600 of these locks for free. These locks do more than just keep kids inside—they save lives. The locks also have built-in emergency mechanisms, such as being able to open with regular keys in case of a power outage or emergency.

For added security, Brundidge has installed sound systems that alert her when specific doors are opened, providing an additional layer of peace of mind.

Bottom Line

Creating a secure environment for your family is priceless, especially for those with children who have unique needs. If you’re looking to move to Orange County, where safe and comfortable homes await, let’s connect and find the right fit for you and your loved ones.

 

 

Reference: “Minnesota mom giving away special locks to help keep kids with autism safe” by David Schuman. Published on October 22, 2024.

RECENT BLOG POSTS

Why New Homes Are Losing Ground to Resales

New-home sales slowed in July 2025 as affordability challenges weighed heavily on buyers, despite builder incentives and discounts. With prices dropping below existing… Read more

Job Security Anxiety Puts the Brakes on Homebuying

Nearly half of U.S. workers are reconsidering big financial moves like purchasing a home because of concerns over job stability, according to a new Redfin survey. Whil… Read more

July 2025 Housing Report Shows Growth in Southern Home Construction While Other Regions Experience Declines

July 2025 housing starts data shows single-family construction climbing in the South while slowing in other parts of the country. For Orange County buyers and sellers,… Read more

Permits for Apartments Drop 23% Will Rents Start Climbing?

Apartment-building permits slowed across the U.S. this past year, signaling tighter future rental supply even as demand firms back up. Here’s what the national trend—a… Read more

Mortgage Rates Just Hit a 4-Month Low — Opportunity Knocks for Orange County

Mortgage rates have dipped to their lowest point since April, creating new opportunities for buyers and shifting the negotiating landscape for sellers. This drop could… Read more

Renting a House or Apartment? Here's What You're Really Paying For

Renting a home comes with more than just monthly rent. Hidden costs like utilities, insurance, and maintenance can vary significantly between houses and apartments. Le… Read more

Mortgage Rates Hit 10-Month Low, Boosting Buyer Budgets

Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest point in nearly a year, giving homebuyers more room in their budgets and creating fresh opportunities for sellers. Discover … Read more

Home Prices Drop in 14 U.S. Metros

Discover the latest housing market trends, including significant home price drops in major U.S. metros like West Palm Beach and Austin. Learn what these changes mean f… Read more

Home Prices Are Falling in These 4 Cities

Home values are now falling annually in four major U.S. cities, signaling a shift in the national housing market. Learn which metros are affected, why this matters, an… Read more

We are excited to assist you in finding your perfect home

Let's find a time that suits you best to chat about your goals, show you how we work, and figure out how we can help you the most