Similar to
wandering behaviors in the Alzheimer’s community,
wandering and elopement behaviors in children and
adults with autism have led to countless tragedies
across the country.
In 2011, a study
conducted by the Interactive Autism Network through
the Kennedy Krieger Institute found that roughly
half, or 49%, of children with autism attempt to
elope from a safe environment, a rate nearly four
times higher than their unaffected siblings.
It also found that
more than one third of children with autism who
wander/elope are never or rarely able to communicate
their name, address, or phone number. Two in three
parents of elopers reported their missing children
had a “close call” with a traffic injury. Thirty-two
percent of parents reported a “close call” with a
possible drowning. Wandering was also ranked among
the most stressful autism behaviors by 58% of
parents of elopers. Half of families with elopers
report they had never received advice or guidance
about elopement from a professional.
According to the
National Autism Association, in 2009, 2010, and
2011, accidental drowning accounted for 91% total
U.S. deaths reported in children with autism ages 14
and younger subsequent to wandering/elopement.
Sixty-eight percent of these deaths happened in a
nearby pond, lake, creek or river.
There are various
reasons someone with autism may wander. More often
than not, he/she will wander to something of
interest, especially water, or away from something
that is bothersome, such as uncomfortable noise or
bright lights.
Outdoor gatherings
present a unique challenge since it is often assumed
there are more eyes on the child or adult with
autism. However, heavy distractions coupled with an
over-stimulating setting can lead to a child or
adult wandering off without notice.
Children and adults
with autism wander from all types of settings, such
as educational, therapeutic, residential, camp
programs, outdoor, public places, and home settings,
including relatives and babysitters’ homes.
Wandering and
elopement tend to increase in warmer months,
especially in mid-section areas of the US where home
layouts and routines are adapted to accommodate
changing weather. Persons with autism are also more
likely to play outside or attend summer or day camps
during this time.
Please click here
for a list of
YMCA locations that
offer special needs swimming lessons, and be sure
that your child’s last lesson is with clothes and
shoes on.
NAA
President, Wendy Fournier discusses Autism-Related
Wandering
with Erik Nanstiel of
FAIR Autism Media.
