Incorporating Elopement Prevention Strategies in Your Child's IEP

For many parents of children with autism, developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a critical step in ensuring their child receives the support they need in the school environment. If elopement is a concern for your child, it’s important to address this behavior in the IEP to create a comprehensive plan that focuses on safety, skill development, and effective interventions.

Elopement, or wandering, is a common safety concern for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. It can pose significant risks, including exposure to dangerous environments, traffic, or getting lost. Addressing elopement in your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being at school. Below are practical notes and examples of how to incorporate elopement prevention strategies into an IEP.

Understanding the IEP Process

An IEP is a legally binding document that outlines the educational goals, services, and accommodations necessary for a child with a disability to succeed in school. It is developed by a team that typically includes the child’s parents, teachers, special education staff, and other relevant professionals.

Steps to Address Elopement in the IEP

Document the Behavior: Before the IEP meeting, gather data on your child’s elopement incidents. Document when and where elopement occurs, potential triggers, and any patterns you’ve observed. This information will be valuable in discussing your child’s needs.
Communicate Concerns: During the IEP meeting, clearly communicate your concerns about elopement. Explain how it impacts your child’s safety, learning, and overall school experience. Use specific examples from your documentation to illustrate your points.
Set Specific Goals: Collaborate with the IEP team to establish measurable goals related to elopement. For example:

Goal: The student will remain in the designated safe area for 90% of the school day over a specified period.
Goal: The student will use a communication device to express feelings of anxiety or the need for a break in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

Develop a Safety Plan: Work with the IEP team to create a safety plan that includes:

Staff Training: Ensure that all staff members are trained to recognize signs of anxiety or stress in your child and understand the elopement triggers.
Supervision Strategies: Discuss appropriate levels of supervision during transitions, recess, and other times when elopement may occur. This may include assigning a dedicated staff member to monitor your child closely.
Safe Zones: Identify safe spaces within the school where your child can go if they feel overwhelmed, and ensure staff are aware of these areas.

Incorporate Behavioral Interventions: Discuss the implementation of specific behavioral interventions within the IEP, such as:

Visual Supports: Use visual schedules or cues to help your child understand routines and transitions, reducing anxiety and the likelihood of elopement.
Social Stories: Develop social stories that explain the importance of staying in designated areas and what to do if they feel the urge to elope.

Positive Reinforcement: Establish a system of rewards for staying in designated areas or communicating needs effectively.

Regular Monitoring and Review: Establish a plan for monitoring progress on the elopement goals and strategies outlined in the IEP. Schedule regular review meetings to assess what is working, what isn’t, and make necessary adjustments to the plan.

Practical Examples of Elopement Prevention Strategies in an IEP

A. Behavioral Assessment and Goals

Example Goal: “By the end of the school year, [Child’s Name] will use a communication tool (e.g., picture cards or a speech device) to request a break or express discomfort in 4 out of 5 opportunities, reducing the need to elope.”

Assessment: Conduct an FBA to determine triggers for elopement (e.g., loud noises, transitions, or unstructured time).

B. Environmental Modifications

Example Strategy: “The school will provide a safe, designated area for [Child’s Name] to take sensory breaks when feeling overwhelmed.”
Implementation: Install visual barriers, such as gates or fences, in areas where elopement is likely. Use door alarms or sensors to alert staff if the child leaves the classroom.

C. Communication Supports

Example Goal: “[Child’s Name] will use a visual schedule to understand daily routines and transitions, reducing anxiety and the likelihood of elopement.”
Implementation: Provide the child with a communication device or visual aids to express their needs without eloping.

D. Staff Training and Supervision

Example Strategy: “All staff working with [Child’s Name] will receive training on elopement prevention and emergency response procedures.”

Implementation: Assign a one-on-one aide or increase supervision during high-risk times, such as recess or transitions between classes.

E. Emergency Response Plan

Example Plan: “If [Child’s Name] elopes, staff will immediately initiate the school’s emergency protocol, including notifying the office, searching designated areas, and contacting parents.”
Implementation: Create a map of the school grounds with high-risk areas marked and establish a clear chain of command for responding to elopement incidents.

Example Goal: “[Child’s Name] will participate in weekly social stories and role-playing sessions to practice safe behaviors and understand the dangers of wandering.”
Implementation: Use social stories to teach the child about staying with the group and asking for help when needed.

G. Sensory Supports

Example Strategy: “Provide [Child’s Name] with noise-canceling headphones and a weighted vest during noisy or overwhelming activities to reduce sensory triggers for elopement.”

Implementation: Incorporate sensory breaks into the child’s daily schedule.

Sample IEP Goals for Elopement Prevention

Here are examples of measurable goals that can be included in the IEP:

Communication Goal: “When feeling overwhelmed, [Child’s Name] will use a break card to request a quiet space in 4 out of 5 opportunities.”

Safety Awareness Goal: “[Child’s Name] will stay within designated boundaries during unstructured times (e.g., recess, lunch) with no more than 1 reminder per day.”
Transition Goal: “[Child’s Name] will transition between activities without eloping by following a visual schedule, with 80% accuracy over a 9-week period.”
Self-Regulation Goal: “[Child’s Name] will use deep breathing techniques to manage anxiety during transitions, reducing elopement incidents by 50%.”

Real-Life Example of an IEP for Elopement Prevention

Student: Emily, a 7-year-old with autism
Trigger: Loud noises and unstructured time
IEP Strategies:

Environmental Modifications: Emily’s classroom door is equipped with a chime to alert staff if she leaves. The playground is fenced, and staff are assigned to supervise her during recess.
Communication Supports: Emily uses a picture card to request a break when she feels overwhelmed.

Behavioral Goal: “Emily will use her break card to request a quiet space during noisy activities in 4 out of 5 opportunities.”
Emergency Plan: If Emily elopes, staff will immediately notify the office, search her preferred areas (e.g., the library), and contact her parents.

Collaborating with School Staff

Building a strong partnership with your child’s teachers and support staff is essential for the success of the IEP. Here are some tips for effective collaboration:

Open Communication: Maintain regular communication with teachers and staff to discuss your child’s progress and any concerns that arise. Establish a method for sharing updates, such as a communication notebook or regular emails.
Provide Resources: Share articles, resources, or strategies that have been helpful for you and your child regarding elopement and autism. This can help staff better understand your child’s needs.
Involve Specialists: If your child receives services from a BCBA, occupational therapist, or other specialists, ensure they are involved in the IEP process. Their expertise can provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Legal Considerations

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act): Elopement is considered a behavior that impacts a child’s ability to access education, making it a valid focus for the IEP.
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education): Schools are required to provide a safe learning environment, which includes addressing elopement risks.
AWAARE (Autism Wandering Awareness Alerts Response and Education): Provides resources and templates for creating safety plans.

National Autism Association: Offers tools like the Big Red Safety Box for families and schools.
Visual Supports: Use tools like Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) or apps like Proloquo2Go to support communication.

Advocating for Your Child

As a parent, you are your child’s best advocate. If you feel that the IEP does not adequately address elopement or your child’s needs, don’t hesitate to speak up. You have the right to request additional meetings, seek further evaluations, or explore alternative interventions.

Incorporating strategies to address elopement in your child’s IEP is a proactive step toward ensuring their safety and success in school. By documenting behaviors, communicating concerns, setting specific goals, and collaborating with school staff, you can create a supportive environment that minimizes the risks associated with elopement.

Remember, every child is unique, and finding the right strategies may take time. Celebrate small successes along the way, and continue to seek support from professionals and other parents. Together, we can create a safer and more inclusive educational experience for our children with autism.