Elopement, or wandering, is a significant concern for parents and caregivers of children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This behaviour involves a child leaving a safe environment without permission or supervision, often driven by a desire to explore, seek sensory stimulation, or escape a stressful situation. According to research, many children with autism engage in elopement behaviors, which can lead to dangerous situations such as getting lost or encountering traffic. The unpredictable nature of elopement requires immediate attention and effective strategies to ensure the safety of these children.
Elopement and Autism | Addressing elopement in children with autism involves a multifaceted approach, focusing on understanding the underlying causes and implementing preventive measures. Behavioral interventions, environmental modifications, and constant supervision are crucial components of a comprehensive strategy to manage elopement.
Parents and caregivers must collaborate with healthcare providers, therapists, and educators to create a supportive environment that reduces the risk of wandering. By recognizing the triggers and employing targeted interventions, families can help their children navigate the world more safely and confidently. Here are 25 practical tips and tools to help prevent elopement and deal with it effectively.
Elopement and Autism | Safety Measures at Home
- Install Door and Window Alarms
- Install childproof locks and latches on doors and windows that are out of reach of the child.
- Installing childproof locks and latches on doors and windows serves as a fundamental safety measure. Here’s why this approach is effective:
- Prevention of Unauthorized Exits: Childproof locks can prevent children from opening doors or windows without adult supervision, significantly reducing the risk of wandering.
- Out of Reach Design: Many childproof locks are designed to be installed at heights inaccessible to children. This ensures that even the most curious child cannot easily manipulate the locks.
- Variety of Options: There are various types of childproof locks and latches available, including:
- Sliding Door Locks: These are specifically designed for sliding glass doors and can provide a secure barrier.
- Window Locks: These can be installed on both casement and double-hung windows, ensuring they cannot be opened without adult assistance.
- Multi-Point Latches: These locks engage multiple points along a door frame, providing added security.
- Ease of Use for Adults: While these locks are designed to be secure against children, they should still be easy for adults to operate. Many products feature simple mechanisms that allow caregivers to quickly and safely access exits when needed.
- To effectively enhance safety through the installation of childproof locks and latches, consider the following tips:
- Assess Your Home: Identify all potential exit points, including doors and windows that children can access. Pay special attention to areas that may lead to hazards, such as busy streets or bodies of water.
- Choose High-Quality Products: Invest in reputable childproof locks and latches that have been tested for safety and durability. Look for products that meet safety standards and have positive reviews from other parents.
- Involve Your Child: Depending on the child’s age and understanding, involve them in the process of safety planning. Explain the importance of staying safe and the reasons for having locks in place. This can help them understand boundaries and safety measures.
- Regularly Check Functionality: Periodically inspect the locks and latches to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace any broken or damaged locks immediately to maintain safety.
- Educate Other Caregivers: If your child is cared for by relatives, babysitters, or daycare providers, ensure they are aware of the safety measures in place and know how to use the locks effectively.
- Secure Outdoor Area Ensure that yards and gardens are fenced with locked gates to prevent unsupervised exits.
- Ensuring that yards and gardens are enclosed with sturdy fencing and equipped with locked gates can significantly reduce the risk of unsupervised exits. This physical barrier provides a safe space for children to play and explore and gives parents and caregivers peace of mind, knowing that their child is protected from potential dangers outside the home. Additionally, incorporating features like self-closing gates can enhance security, ensuring that gates remain closed and locked when not in use. By establishing a secure outdoor environment, caregivers can promote safe outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of wandering.
- Visual Barriers Use stop signs or visual cues on exits to remind children not to leave without permission | Download Free STOP signs to use for visual cues
Technology and Tracking
- GPS Devices : Equip children with GPS tracking devices to monitor their location in real-time.
- Smartphone App Utilize tracking and alert apps designed for caregivers of children with autism.
- Use journaling or daily tracking to identify triggers that may cause elopement.
Communication and Education
- Teach Safety Skills Educate children on recognizing boundaries, responding to their name, and staying close to caregivers.
- Visual Schedules use visual schedules to help children understand daily routines and transitions.
- Why is this important? By implementing visual schedules effectively, parents and caregivers can help children understand what to expect, reduce anxiety around transitions, and promote independence. Furthermore, by minimizing unpredictability, visual schedules can play a crucial role in preventing elopement, and ensuring a safer environment for children. With consistent use, positive reinforcement, and regular updates, visual schedules can empower children with autism to navigate their daily lives with confidence and security.
- Tips for Creating and Using Visual Schedules
- Choose the Right Format: Visual schedules can be created using various formats, such as:
- Picture Cards: Use images that represent specific activities (e.g., eating, playing, bathing).
- Magnetic Boards: Use a magnetic board where children can move activities around as they complete them.
- Digital Apps: Explore apps designed for visual scheduling that allow for customization and interactivity.
- Involve Your Child: Engage your child in the process of creating the visual schedule. Let them help choose images or symbols that represent their daily activities. This involvement fosters ownership and increases their interest in using the schedule.
- Keep It Simple and Clear: Use simple, clear images and limit the number of activities displayed at one time. Too much information can be overwhelming. Start with a few key activities and gradually add more as your child becomes comfortable.
- Use Consistent Language: When labeling activities, use consistent language and terminology. This helps reinforce understanding and recognition of what each activity entails.
- Incorporate Time Indicators: Include visual time indicators, such as clocks or timers, to help children understand how long they will engage in each activity. This can be particularly useful for transitions, as it prepares them for changes in their routine.
- Establish a Routine: Use the visual schedule consistently to establish a daily routine. Consistency reinforces learning and helps children anticipate what comes next, reducing anxiety and impulsivity.
- Review and Update Regularly: Regularly review the visual schedule with your child, especially when changes occur. This helps them understand any new activities or transitions and prepares them for upcoming events.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Reinforce the use of the visual schedule with positive feedback. Praise your child when they follow the schedule or successfully transition between activities. This encourages continued engagement and compliance.
- Incorporate Breaks and Rewards: Build in breaks and rewards within the visual schedule. For example, after completing a series of tasks, include a fun activity or a short break. This not only motivates children but also provides them with something to look forward to.
- Create a Safe Space for Transitions: Designate a specific area in your home for transitions, where the visual schedule is prominently displayed. This can serve as a reminder for your child and help them focus on the next activity.
- Practice Transitions: Use role-playing or practice sessions to help your child understand transitions. For example, practice moving from one activity to another using the visual schedule as a guide. This can build confidence and familiarity with the routine.
- Monitor and Adapt: Observe how your child responds to the visual schedule and make adjustments as needed. If certain activities are consistently challenging, consider breaking them down into smaller steps or using different visuals.
- Social Stories Create social stories that illustrate safe behaviours and the importance of staying in designated areas.
Environmental Modifications
- Create Safe Spaces: Designate safe areas at home where children can retreat if they feel overwhelmed – this could be personalized like a Sensory tent or a simple couch or chair with a weighted blanket in a quiet room.
- Minimize Sensory Triggers – Identify and reduce sensory triggers in the environment that may prompt elopement.
Community and School Involvement
- Educate the Community Inform neighbors and local community members about the child’s tendencies and how they can help.
- School Safety Plan Work with schools to develop individualized safety plans and protocols for children prone to elopement. | Recommended: Check out and download the free safety plans provided by Autism Speaks
- Staff Training Ensure that teachers, aides, and school staff receive training on autism and elopement prevention.
Emergency Preparedness
- Create an Emergency Plan Develop a comprehensive emergency plan that includes steps to take if the child elopes. | See Children’s Treatment Network Safety Plan
- Emergency Identification Ensure the child has identification, such as a bracelet or card, with contact information and medical details. | The tags can be a real life changer in case your child wanders off (pricing starts at $6 on Amazon)
- Alert First Responders Inform local police, fire departments, and emergency services about the child’s tendency to wander. | Check out Path Finders For Autism Saftey Tips and Kits Plans for various scenarios including interacting with the Police, EMS and Fire Department
Behavior and Therapy
- Behavioral Interventions Work with behavior analysts to implement interventions that address the underlying causes of elopement. | Set clear goals to address elopement
- Occupational Therapy Engage with occupational therapists to help children manage sensory processing issues that may lead to wandering.
Family Support and Resources
- Support Groups Join autism support groups to share experiences, strategies, and resources with other parents and caregivers.
- Respite Care Utilize respite care services to give (yourself /caregivers) a break and reduce stress.
- Advocacy Resources: Access resources from organizations like the National Autism Association (see their Red Safety Box Initiative) and Autism Speaks for legal advice and support.
Practical Tools and Products
- If you are headed for a crowded space or travelling consider using added safety precautions- for example, a toddler walking rope to ensure your child remains close in public places or during travel.
- Tracking Tags Attach tracking tags to clothing or shoes to help locate children quickly if they wander off. | Using the Apple AirTag allows you to track it on your phone
By implementing these practical tips and tools, caregivers can significantly reduce the risk of elopement and ensure a safer environment for children with autism.