We here at Urban August are aware of what many people's gut reaction is when you say "lock the fridge." They see it as a worst-case scenario, that we are cruelly taking food away from a child. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our locks should be used for safety, and never for punishment. 

Locking food away from a developmentally disabled child may be necessary in certain circumstances to ensure their safety and well-being. Children with developmental disabilities may have difficulty understanding the concept of limits or may struggle with impulse control, which can lead to behaviors such as overeating or consuming inappropriate or dangerous items.

In some cases, developmentally disabled children may have specific dietary restrictions or requirements that need to be carefully monitored to ensure that they receive the proper nutrition. Locking food away can help ensure that the child is not consuming foods that are harmful to their health or that are not part of their prescribed diet.

Additionally, some developmentally disabled children may have a tendency to engage in pica, which is the consumption of non-food items such as paper, dirt, or rocks. Locking away potentially dangerous or non-food items can help prevent the child from accidentally ingesting something that could harm them.

It's important to note that locking away food should not be done as a punishment or a means of controlling the child's behavior. Instead, it should be approached as a proactive measure to promote the child's safety and well-being. Any decision to lock away food should be made in consultation with the child's medical team and caregivers, and should be accompanied by appropriate strategies and support to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the behavior.