Autism Elopement: Tips to Prevent Wandering Off and Keep Your Child Safe

As a parent, it’s incredibly alarming when you realize your child with autism has wandered off without your knowledge. Autism elopement—where a child leaves a designated safe area—can pose significant risks to their safety. Whether your child runs away from school, escapes the house, or bolts in public spaces, the anxiety and fear this behavior generates are very real. If you're struggling with this issue, you're not alone, and there are actionable strategies you can use to keep your child safe.

 In this article, we'll dive into tips for preventing autism elopement and wandering off, how to create a solid autism safety plan, and how ABA therapy can play a critical role in reducing these behaviors.

Understanding Autism Elopement

When most people think of autism elopement, they imagine a child with more noticeable developmental delays. However, wandering off can affect children across the autism spectrum. A child may not show obvious communication difficulties or intellectual challenges, but they can still struggle with understanding safety boundaries.

Some children on the spectrum are capable of more independent movement, which may make them more likely to act impulsively and wander off when they feel overwhelmed or overstimulated. They may also be curious about the world around them, which can lead to slipping away without much thought.

Why Children with Autism May Wander

Children with autism may engage in wandering due to several reasons:

• Sensory overload: Environments like malls, busy streets, or crowded spaces can overwhelm them, and they may wander off to escape.
  
  
• Escaping demands or frustration: Sometimes, a child may wander to avoid a stressful situation, like homework or a conflict with a peer.
  
  
• Exploration or curiosity: Some children may wander simply to explore their surroundings if they are not fully aware of the dangers.

Creating preventive strategies starts with understanding these triggers, so you can tailor your approach to meet your child's needs.

Autism Elopement Statistics

While the statistics on autism elopement can vary, a few key findings shed light on how prevalent and serious this issue is:

• There is a clear link between autism severity and elopement risk. A study found that for every 10-point increase in autism severity, the risk of elopement rises by about 9%.
• About 49% of children with autism attempt to wander or elope at some point.
• Studies show that elopement behaviors are most common during times of stress, anxiety, or excitement, making it vital to recognize these triggers and act preemptively.

These statistics highlight the importance of developing an autism elopement prevention plan, especially if your child has shown any signs of wandering off.

How to Stop an Autistic Child from Running Off

Now that we understand why elopement happens, it's time to explore strategies you can use to keep your child safe. Whether your child bolts in public spaces or has a tendency to wander at school, there are clear actions you can take to prevent this dangerous behavior.

1. Secure the Environment

Ensure that all potential escape routes are secured. This includes adding:

• Locks on doors and windows at home.
• Alarm systems that alert you if a door is opened or a child is leaving.
• Fences around outdoor spaces to prevent access to roads or dangerous areas.

2. Supervise and Stay Close

Wandering happens fast, and many children with autism don't recognize the risks involved. Consistent supervision is crucial. If you're in public spaces or unfamiliar environments, stay as close to your child as possible. This minimizes the opportunity for sudden escapes.

3. Teach Safety and Boundaries

While many children with autism struggle with concepts like "stranger danger" or "road safety," teaching these skills gradually can help. Use visual aids, stories, and consistent reinforcement to help your child understand basic safety rules. Role-playing these situations, such as crossing the street or going to the store, can also be beneficial.

4. Use Identification and Communication Tools

Equip your child with identification, like a bracelet or an ID card with your contact information. Some children may also respond well to a GPS tracking device or wearable tech that alerts you if they leave a designated area.

Autism Bolting

"Bolting" refers to when a child with autism runs away suddenly, often with no warning. This can happen at any time, but it's more common in environments that trigger sensory overload, like large crowds or noisy areas. Bolting is dangerous because children may not understand traffic signals, road safety, or the concept of strangers.

To prevent bolting:

• Use social stories to help children understand why running off can be dangerous.
• Create an exit plan when you're in public spaces—designate safe zones or quiet areas where you can quickly regroup if your child becomes overwhelmed.
• Utilize ABA therapy techniques to help the child learn how to deal with overwhelming emotions or situations without the need to escape.

Autism and Running Away at School

Elopement behaviors at school are common, especially when children feel overstimulated or anxious. It's crucial to work with school staff to develop an effective strategy that can prevent wandering during school hours.

1. Communicate with Teachers and Staff
Inform your child's teachers, aides, and other school staff about your child's specific triggers and potential elopement behaviors. Collaborate on a plan to ensure your child’s safety.

2. Use an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
If your child has an IEP, ensure that it includes accommodations for their safety. This could include assigning a one-on-one aide or establishing a safe space for your child to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed.

3. Reinforce Positive Behaviors
Encourage your child to stay in designated areas using positive reinforcement. This might include a reward system for staying within safe zones or completing tasks.

Autism Safety Plan

Creating an autism safety plan is essential for preventing autism elopement, as it helps to address potential issues before they occur. An autism safety plan can include steps to reduce wandering, such as:

• Establishing a routine that your child can follow, reducing the chances of acting out impulsively.
• Building awareness around dangerous areas such as roads, strangers, or bodies of water.
• Using visual schedules and reminders to keep your child informed about what to expect throughout the day.

A well-structured autism safety plan offers both you and your child a sense of security and preparedness.

Sample Social Story for Autism Elopement Prevention:

A social story can be a useful tool in teaching your child about the dangers of wandering off. It presents information in a visual and narrative format, making it easier for children to understand and follow.

1. Staying Safe in Busy Places

Story:
"When I go to a busy place, like a store or park, I stay close to my mom or dad.
If it gets too loud or crowded, I might feel upset or excited.
I do not run away.
I can hold my mom or dad’s hand.
I can say, ‘Can we take a break?’
My family helps me feel calm.
When I stay close, I am safe."

2. Staying Safe at School

Story:
"At school, I follow my teacher.
Sometimes I feel upset or want to leave.
But I do not run away.
I can tell my teacher, ‘I need help’ or ‘Can I have a break?’
My teacher will help me.
When I stay where I’m supposed to be, I am safe."

3. Staying Safe at Home

Story:
"When I am at home, I stay inside or with my family.
Sometimes I want to go outside by myself.
But I do not go out alone.
I tell my mom or dad if I want to go outside.
They keep me safe.
When I stay where I’m supposed to be, I am safe."

Conclusion

Autism elopement is a serious concern, but with the right tools and support, you can prevent your child from wandering off and keep them safe. Working with professionals, using safety measures at home and school, and implementing strategies like social stories are just a few of the ways to address this behavior.

If you're looking for additional support, ABA therapy can help. Total Care ABA offers ABA therapy in Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, Arizona, North Carolina, and Maine. Their team of experts will work with you to create a personalized plan that addresses autism elopement and other behaviors, ensuring your child’s safety and well-being.

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