Protecting Our Children: Understanding and Preventing Autism Elopement
As a parent of a child with autism, I know firsthand the fear and anxiety that comes with dealing with elopement behavior. The first time my son Joey managed to unlock the deadbolt and head for the street, my heart stopped. It was a terrifying experience, and unfortunately, it has happened a few more times since.
Elopement, the act of a child wandering away from a parent or caregiver, is a common issue for families dealing with autism spectrum disorder. Many children with autism struggle to communicate their needs, making it difficult for them to reunite with their caregivers if they wander off.
Understanding Autism Elopement
Children with autism elope for various reasons, including the fight or flight response, the desire to explore, sensory issues, and distractions. Sensory overload is often a significant factor in elopement behavior, as it can trigger the need to escape or explore.
Research shows that nearly half of children with autism attempt to elope, with a high percentage being gone long enough to cause concern. It’s crucial for parents to be aware of common triggers and take preventive measures.
Risks of Elopement Behavior
Elopement poses serious risks to the safety and well-being of children with autism. They can wander into dangerous situations, such as bodies of water or busy streets, leading to potential harm or even fatalities. The stress and fear parents experience during these incidents are overwhelming.
Having experienced these situations firsthand, I understand the importance of being proactive in protecting our children from elopement dangers.
Prevention and Safety Measures
Parents can take several steps to prevent elopement and keep their children safe, such as hiding keys, installing special locks, using door and window alarms, harnesses, wearable GPS devices, ID bracelets, constant supervision, and dressing children in bright clothing for visibility.
Handling Elopement Incidents
In case of an elopement incident, it’s crucial to have a plan in place. If you can still see your child, run after them, use language to communicate, and seek help from nearby adults. If your child is out of sight, call the police, search the area, and ask for assistance from neighbors and friends.
Navigating Elopement Strategies
Dealing with elopement is a scary experience for any parent, especially those with nonverbal children on the autism spectrum. It’s vital to remain vigilant, communicate with caregivers, schools, and family members, and work together to ensure the safety of our children.
FAQs
Q: Do adults with autism elope?
A: Elopement is not exclusive to children, as adults with autism have been known to elope.
Q: What is an example of elopement behavior in autism?
A: Elopement can manifest as wandering away from caregivers in various settings, such as schools or family gatherings.
Q: Can autistic adults live independently?
A: Depending on their support needs, autistic adults can live independently, especially those with lower support requirements.
Q: Why do children with autism wander?
A: Children with autism often elope to either seek something of interest or escape stressful situations.
References:
- Andersen, A.M., Law, J.K., Marvin, A.R. et al. (2020).
- Boyle, M.A., Keenan, G., Forck, K.L., & Curtis, K.S. (2019).
- Pereira-Smith, S., Boan, A., Carpenter, L.A., Macias, M., & LaRosa, A. (2019).
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