Wandering is a serious concern for families in the autism community. It can be a stressful experience for both the individual and their loved ones. At MAC, we are committed to helping families feel empowered and connected to resources that support their safety and well-being. Here’s what you need to know about wandering and how to prevent it.
What is Wandering?
Wandering (also called elopement or bolting) happens when a person leaves a safe space or caregiver’s supervision. Individuals with autism are at higher risk of wandering, which can lead to accidents, injuries, or even death. Approximately 91% of deaths in children with autism under 14 are caused by accidental drowning after wandering.
Wandering can occur in various settings. That’s why it’s important to take steps to ensure your child’s safety.
Why Do Children with Autism Wander?
Wandering is often a form of communication, indicating unmet needs or discomfort. Here are some common reasons why children with autism may wander:
- Biological Needs: Searching for food, water, or a restroom.
- Seeking Routine: Trying to return to a familiar place, object, or routine.
- Sensory Overload: Escaping overwhelming sensory stimuli, such as loud noises.
- Sensory Seeking: Exploring new sights, sounds, or textures that are calming or stimulating.
- Stress Response (Flight): Wandering can be a reaction to perceived threats or stress.
- Curiosity: Following an interesting object or sound.
- Unmet Personal Needs: Fulfilling other personal wants or needs.
Children with autism who wander are often found near water, traffic, wooded areas, or familiar places like stores or parks.
How to Prevent Wandering: Proactive Strategies for Parents
Wandering can be dangerous, but there are steps you can take to help prevent it and keep your child safe:
- Secure Doors and Windows: Install alarms or chimes on doors and windows to alert you when they’re opened. Additionally, consider installing keyless lock systems, which can prevent your child from unlocking doors without your knowledge.
- Protect Bodies of Water: Install fences with self-latching doors around pools or any water on your property.
- Use GPS Tracking Devices: Devices like AngelSense can be worn by your child and help you track their location in real-time. Many GPS devices also offer features like safe zone alerts and two-way communication to help locate your child quickly.
- Create a Search Plan: Identify nearby bodies of water and other locations where your child may wander, so you know where to search in case of an emergency.
- Support Sensory Needs: Understand your child’s sensory needs and proactively support them to reduce the urge to wander.
- Support Communication Needs: Ensure your child has access to effective communication tools to express needs, distress, or request help.
- Talk to Trusted Neighbors: Inform trusted neighbors about your child’s tendencies so they can assist in an emergency.
- Build a Safety Plan: Work with local first responders and create a plan in case your child wanders. Familiarize them with your child to ensure they know how to approach your child if they go missing.
What to Do if Your Child Wanders
If your child wanders, call 911 immediately and start searching nearby bodies of water and familiar places. Be ready to share key information with first responders, including:
- Any locative technology your child uses (GPS trackers, etc.).
- What will elicit a response (favorite songs, sounds, or words).
- Preferred locations your child may go.
- Medical conditions that may affect their safety.
At MAC, we encourage families to be prepared and proactive in preventing wandering-related tragedies. By putting these strategies in place, you can help keep your child safe and reduce the risks of wandering.
Contact MAC for Support
Wandering is a critical safety concern, but with the right tools and strategies, your family can navigate it with confidence. For more support or resources on autism safety, reach out to MAC today.
