awaare.nationalautismassociation.orgWandering - National Autism Association

877.622.2884 naa@nationalautism.org Facebook Twitter Instagram Facebook Twitter Instagram Donate or Give Monthly Home Autism & Safety Information Autism & Safety Data Wandering Water Safety Bullying Prevention | #OddToo Safety Brochures For Caregivers NAA’s Big Red Safety Box® Be REDy Booklets Wandering Quick Tips Personal Emergency Profile Sheet Meet The Police Swimming Instructions Hurricane Preparation Tips Big Red Safety Shop For First Responders Be REDy Booklets Meet The Police For Educators Be REDy Booklets NAA’s Big Red Safety Teacher Toolkit® What We Do NAA Programs Autism ATRIUM WebiNAArs Autism ATRIUM Digital Library NAA’s Big Red Safety Box® NAA’s Big Red Safety Teacher Toolkit® NAA’s Give A Voice Program SPOT ASD by 3 Meet The Police Downloadable Toolkits & Resources Be REDy Booklets First Signs, Next Steps ASD & Siblings Toolkit ASD & the IEP Process Toolkit Guide for Grandparents Age of Majority Toolkit Meet The Police Wandering Quick Tips White Papers & Articles Safety Brochures Support Find a Support Group Trusts | Guardianship About Autism Signs of Autism SPOT ASD by 3 First Signs, Next Steps Toolkit Autism Fact Sheet Early Intervention Dietary Intervention Medical Intervention Therapies About NAA Who We Are Mission Statement NAA Impact Report | 2022 NAA’s Board of Directors Honorary Board Members PSAs | Videos White Papers & Articles FAQ’s About NAA IRS 990 Forms Support Our Programs Donate Ways to Give Support Our Sponsors Become an NAA Partner Contact NAA Contact Us Media Inquiries Join our mailing list Privacy Policy Donate Shop Select Page About Autism & Wandering Wandering/elopement is the tendency for an individual to leave the safety of a responsible person’s care or safe area, which may result in potential harm or injury. This might include running off from adults at school or in the community, leaving the classroom without permission, or exiting the house when the family is not aware. This behavior is considered common and short-lived in toddlers but may persist or re-emerge in those with autism. According to research, nearly half of children with autism are at risk for wandering away from a safe setting. Because people with autism are vulnerable to dangerous situations including drowning, traffic incidents, becoming trapped hot cars, etc., it’s important to take critical precautions and be aware that drowning fatalities remain a leading cause of wandering-related death, along with traffic injury. Wandering/elopement is typically a form of communication, often occurring to get to something of interest or away from something bothersome, usually noise, commotion, fears/phobias, and demands. These impulses and incidents can increase with added anxiety and stress, especially if the individual has challenges with coping, calming, or regulating their emotions. Early signs of exit-seeking behavior can start in toddlerhood. They include social/demand avoidance, moving to a different area of building or home unnoticed, bolting when upset, and seeking out water or other quiet places. Quick Facts According to a study in Pediatrics , nearly half of children with autism have a tendency to wander/bolt from safe settings More than one third of children with autism who wander/elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number According to a study by NAA, accidental drowning accounts for 71% of lethal outcomes, followed by traffic injuries at 18% Other dangers include dehydration; heat stroke; hypothermia; falls; physical restraint; encounters with strangers Increased risks are associated with autism severity Take Action in Your Home & Community Download and begin using your Be REDy Booklet today. Provide a copy of the Be REDy Booklet for First Responders to your local police, fire and/or sheriff’s department. Ask them to implement Reverse 911 in your county and seek assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children when a child is missing. Always Remember: If a Child or Adult with Autism is Ever Missing, Call 911 & Search Water First! Important Free Resources from NAA Big Red Safety Box (free when available) Be REDy Toolkit for Caregivers Be REDy Toolkit for First Responders Be REDy Toolkit for Teachers Free Safety Resources – Click to view, download or print PDF files. Prevention Checklist Secure home, outdoor gates, garage door Use simple window/door alarms, baby monitors Identify & Address Triggers Teach Safety/Coping & Pursue Forms of Communication Enroll in swimming lessons Provide safe-space ‘escape’ alternative, such as a tent or quiet nook within the home Secure wearable identification and/or locative technology Alert relatives, school & neighbors Alert local first responders Speak with your child’s doctor Create Emergency Plan Stay extra vigilant during transitions, parties, vacations, new moves, visits, & noise/stress/ commotion NAA Studies NAA’s Six-Year Study: Mortality & Risk in ASD Wandering/Elopement NAA’s 2012 White Paper: Lethal Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorders – Wandering/Elopement For other important information and resources, visit our partners at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at missingkids.org Download and print wandering resources in Spanish Autism and Wandering Prevention Tips Flyer – Spanish Autism and Wandering Emergency Plan – Spanish Autism Elopmement Alert Form – Spanish Facebook Twitter Instagram ©️National Autism Association, all rights...