11 Ways to Prevent Wandering in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Wandering (elopement) is considered a common behavior among individuals with autism spectrum disorder, as statistics show that 50% of individuals with autism wander from their homes, 35% attempt to run away at least once a week, and 25% of their wandering incidents cause problems such as exposure to danger from drowning or car accidents.

In our article, we discuss 11 ways to prevent wandering behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, which are:

1) Understand wandering patterns

:: Ask yourself what type of wandering describes your child: is it directed (intentional) or undirected (random)?

:: Identify the reasons that may cause your child to run away or leave quickly.

:: Address known causes; allow the child to satisfy their curiosity under safe supervision in a safe environment (for example: if your child's goal is to reach water, provide a designated time for water play every day in your home under adult supervision).

:: Understand whether your child is trying to get away from something (is there too much noise? Is there too much commotion? Is there boredom?) so you can address it.

:: Understand whether your child tends to wander at night.

2) Teach your child about danger awareness

:: If the child/adult has functional language, use it as a way to teach them the dangers of wandering into traffic and bodies of water in particular, as well as encounters with strangers. Use various methods to teach them how to respond if they find themselves alone or lost outside, in a non-home setting (school, classroom, hotel, etc.) or anywhere else.

:: Use the types of language they prefer and may respond to. Use favorite characters, themes, and visual aids in your explanation if needed, and you can use social stories.

:: For a child/adult who responds to visual aids, consider placing stop signs on all doors in the house, windows, classroom doors, and gates.

3) Secure your home

Consider enhancing safety and preventing wandering in your home. Some ideas for a safe home:

:: Installing secure deadbolt locks that require keys from both sides

:: Installing a security alarm system

:: Installing battery-operated alarms on doors and windows to alert you when they are opened

:: Fencing your yard and pool

4) Consider using a tracking device

A tracking device may be one of the positive solutions to prevent... Tracking devices are worn on the wrist or ankle and locate the individual through radio frequency. Various GPS tracking systems are also available from many retail outlets.

When looking for a personal locator device, consider the following:

Does the system include trained emergency personnel?

Battery life—does the device need to be charged? If so, how often? Is your child unprotected during the charging process?

Water resistance—can the device be worn while showering or swimming?

Is the device removable by the wearer?

Will the device work for geo-fencing / perimeter tracking?

Will the device work within the range of your home, school, etc.?

5) Consider an ID bracelet

A medical ID bracelet or necklace includes your name, phone number, and other important information. They may also state that your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and is non-verbal, if applicable. Request a state-issued ID for your loved one. This will give first responders quick access to a photo and essential information.

6) Enroll your child in swimming lessons

Swimming lessons for children with special needs are important.

Remember:

:: Teaching your child how to swim does not mean your child is safe in the water.

:: If you have a pool, it must be fenced. Use self-closing, self-latching gates that latch higher than your children's reach.

:: Remove all toys or items of interest from the pool when not in use.

7) Alert your neighbors

It is recommended that caregivers plan a short visit with neighbors to introduce their child or provide a photo. Knowing your neighbors can help reduce the risks associated with wandering.

:: Give your neighbors a simple handout with your name, address, and phone number.

:: Ask them to call you immediately if they see your child outside the house.

Identify other information to provide to neighbors:

:: Is your child afraid of cars and animals, or are they drawn to them?

:: Is your child attracted to pools?

:: Do they respond when called by their name?

:: Are there sensory issues or meltdowns that your neighbors should know about?

8) Alert first responders (police or the Red Crescent)

Providing first responders with essential information before an incident occurs may improve the response. Information handouts should include all relevant information, and be copied and carried with caregivers at all times. Distribute the handout to family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers, as well as first responders. The following should be included:

:: The child/adult's name, a current photo, and an accurate description of the child's appearance, including any scars or other identifying marks

:: A list of your child's favorite songs, games, characters, etc.

:: Names, home phone numbers, and addresses of parents, other caregivers, and emergency contact persons

:: The child's sensory, medical, or dietary needs

:: Favorite locations where the person might be found

:: Method of communication: note if non-verbal, using sign language, picture boards, or written words

:: Identification clothing, jewelry, tags on clothing

:: Map guide and address of nearby properties, highlighting water sources and dangerous locations

9) Prevent wandering at school, summer camp, and other outdoor settings

In the first meeting with new schools and centers, be sure to find out what protocols are in place to prevent and address wandering incidents and other emergencies. It is recommended that you continue monitoring by asking teachers, aides, counselors, school principals, caregivers, etc., if the child/adult has ever wandered:

:: Ask, "Did my child wander inside the school buildings?" (inside the building)

:: Ask, "Did my child wander outside the school building?" (outside the building)

:: Ask, "Did my child run away from a teacher?" If so, why?

:: Ask, "Was my child left unattended during class?"

:: Ask, "Was my child left unattended during an elopement?"

:: If you have not done so before, ask, "What are the school's policies regarding wandering prevention?"

:: Write a letter requesting to always be notified in writing of any wandering incident on or off campus.

:: If the child/adult wanders frequently and poses safety risks, consider addressing wandering issues in their Individualized Education Program or individualized plan.

10) Learn from other incidents

:: Look for news stories and research other wandering stories.

:: Learn the details of news stories and other accounts.

For example: if your child wandered off during a family gathering, this may help you identify precautions to take during gathering times, holiday parties, etc.

If a child wandered from a school playground because the school campus was not fenced, this may prompt you to look at your child's school to learn about security measures.

Learning from other stories may help you assess your home and your own situations.

11) Safety and security:

Be sure to monitor changes in gross motor skills, height, age, and overall development. Do not forget:

:: Your child may be able to open doors they were unable to open before, so check these abilities as your child grows.

:: They may now be able to reach chain locks or open windows that were inaccessible in the past.

:: Changes at school will necessitate new prevention and response measures.

:: Update your child's emergency plan file annually—and more frequently if there are changes in your child's appearance.

Source: Adapted from

.http://www.autismsafety.org/

Originally published in Arabic. This English version was produced with AI-assisted translation; the Arabic original remains the reference.