Wandering Running, or wondering off, is probably one of the most dangerous behaviors for children on the spectrum. It is one of the leading causes of death, and one parents greatest worries. The following statistics are quoted from AWAARE (Autism, Wandering, Awareness, Alerts, Response, Education) website at awaare.org/. According to data released in April 2011 by the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) through the Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI): • Roughly half, or 49%, of children with a autism attempt to elope from a safe environment, a rate nearly four times higher than their unaffected siblings • More than one third of children with autism who wander/elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number • Two in three parents of elopers reported their missing children had a “close call” with a traffic injury • 32% of parents reported a “close call” with a possible drowning • Children with ASD are eight times more likely to elope between the ages of 7 and 10 than their typically-developing siblings • Half of families with elopers report they had never received advice or guidance about elopement from a professional In 2012, the National Autism Association found that from 2009 to 2011, accidental drowning accounted for 91% total U.S. deaths reported in children with autism subsequent to wandering, and that 23% of total wandering-related deaths occurred while the child was in the care of someone other than a parent. Consequently, wondering is also one of the most difficult behaviors to control. Many of the strategies are more controlling the environment, using technology to monitor the child, and building in as many protection strategies as possible. The Autism Speaks website provides a outstanding tool box for information and resources concerning this problem. I encourage any families experiencing this problem to visit this site.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 09:49:10 +0000
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