Elopement And Autism: How To Handle Your Child Eloping

Elopement and autism: causes, prevention strategies, and safety tips. Understand why autistic kids elope and interventions to keep them safe.

Elopement is more common than you might think. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly half of children with autism attempt to wander away from safe environments.

As a parent, that statistic can hit hard. I know because I’ve been there—my son has been a runner since he could walk. Whether it’s the park, a busy grocery store, or even right at home, the unpredictability is always there.

If you’re dealing with the same challenge, you’re not alone. Today, I want to dive into what causes elopement, how to manage it, and steps you can take to keep your child safe. Let’s get started!

What Is Elopement?

Elopement in autism refers to the tendency of some children to wander away or bolt from a safe, supervised environment.

Unlike typical wandering, elopement is purposeful and often driven by a specific need or desire, such as seeking something interesting or avoiding an uncomfortable situation.

This behavior can be incredibly stressful for parents, as it poses significant safety risks for the child. Elopement can occur in various environments, including home, school, and public places.

Elopement Behavior Examples

Elopement behaviors can vary widely among children with autism. Here are a few examples:

• Running out of the front or back door of the house while a parent is in the bathroom.
• Suddenly running out onto the road while walking along the street with parents. 
• Escaping from the backyard while parents are distracted by siblings.  
• Climbing out of the bedroom window during the night when everyone else in the house is asleep. 
• Bolting from parents in a busy store or mall.
• Leaving the classroom while the teacher is busy.
• Running away from the teacher in the hallway.  
• Escaping from the school playground.  
• Leaving school, without permission, to return home. 
• Trying to exit a vehicle during a journey. 

How Many Children with Autism Display Elopement Behavior?

Research has shown that elopement is a common behavior among children with autism.

According to a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, about half of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) attempt to elope from a safe environment.

The study also found that children with more severe autism are at a higher risk of elopement.

This statistic underscores how widespread this issue is and highlights the importance of understanding and addressing it.

Why Does My Autistic Child Elope?

Understanding why your child elopes is crucial in addressing the behavior. Here are some common reasons:

• Fight-or-Flight Response: Sometimes kids run because they feel scared or overwhelmed, even if we think the situation is safe.

• Seeking Sensory Input: Children with autism might be drawn to certain sensory experiences like the sound of water, the sight of bright lights, or the feel of different textures.

• Avoidance: Overwhelming environments or situations can prompt children to run away to escape discomfort. Crowded or noisy places often trigger elopement behavior as children try to find a quieter, more comfortable spot.

• Routine Disruption: Changes in routine or environment can lead to anxiety, prompting a child to elope. Children with autism often thrive on routine, and any disruption can cause stress and result in elopement as a coping mechanism.

• Exploration: Some children have a strong desire to explore their surroundings, driven by curiosity. This can lead to wandering as they seek out new and interesting places.

• Distractions: A shiny toy or interesting smell might catch their eye, and off they go.

• Communication Difficulties: They might not be able to tell us they want to go somewhere, so they just take off.

• Impulsivity: Children with autism may act on impulse without considering safety. Impulsive behaviors can lead to sudden and unpredictable elopement incidents.

• Lack of Awareness: Not understanding the dangers of roads or the worry they cause. Impulsivity and not understanding safety hazards. Unawareness of how their actions affect others.

Related: How to Help an Autistic Child with Transitions Between Activities

How to Stop an Autistic Child from Eloping

Preventing elopement requires a proactive and multi-faceted approach:

• Hide door keys and use special locks.
• Install locks and alarms on doors and windows.
• Use visual barriers to signal boundaries.
• Install door alarms that alert if a door is opened.
• Use window restrictors.
• Ensure constant supervision.
• Bring an extra adult during outings to help watch the child or tend to siblings.
• Teach safety rules in a way they can understand, such as understanding traffic signals or knowing who to ask for help.
• Regular practice of safety skills can help children understand what to do if they feel the urge to run.
• Dress them in bright clothes for easy spotting.
• Ask siblings or classmates to help keep an eye on them.
• Use GPS tracking devices to monitor their location.
• Employ harnesses or walking reins for outings.
• Work with a therapist to develop a behavior intervention plan.
• Teach your child to communicate their needs effectively.
• A behavior intervention plan (BIP) can help identify triggers and implement strategies to reduce elopement incidents.

Related: How to Calm Autistic Meltdowns: 7 Tips that Work

What to Do When Your Child Elopes

Despite your best efforts, elopement can still happen. Here’s what to do if your child elopes:

• Stay Calm: Keep a clear head to think logically and act quickly. Panicking can make it harder to find your child.

• Search Nearby: Check places your child is likely to go, such as favorite hiding spots or areas of interest. Children often head to places that attract their interest.

• Alert Authorities: If you cannot find your child quickly, contact local authorities and provide them with a recent photo and description. Having a recent photo on hand is crucial.

• Use Tracking Devices: Consider using GPS tracking devices designed for children to help locate them quickly. GPS trackers can be worn as bracelets or attached to clothing and can provide real-time location information.

How Being Prepared for Elopement Helps Children with Autism

Preparation is key in managing elopement:

• Create a Safety Plan: Develop a clear plan with steps to take if your child elopes. Share this plan with caregivers, teachers, and family members. A detailed plan ensures everyone knows what to do in case of elopement.

• Educate and Inform: Inform neighbors, local authorities, and school staff about your child’s tendency to elope and provide them with emergency contact information. Educating others about the child’s behavior can mobilize a quicker response if elopement occurs.

• Role-Playing: Practice safety scenarios with your child, such as what to do if they feel the urge to run or who to ask for help if they get lost. Role-playing can help children understand how to respond in different situations and reinforce safety skills.

• Know triggers: Know your child’s triggers and take steps to prevent elopement. This will keep your child safer and give you some peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

By understanding elopement and taking proactive steps, you can help keep your autistic child safe while giving yourself peace of mind.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out to support groups, therapists, and other parents to share experiences and gain valuable insights.

Recommended

• How to Help an Autistic Child with Transitions Between Activities
• How to Calm Autistic Meltdowns: 7 Tips that Work
• 10 Of The Best Books About Autism for Parents
• 25 Ways Life Looks Different Parenting an Autistic Child