Welcome to Thriving Together, your go-to source for timely information, resources and support on the autism journey, sponsored by Metro Parent and Henry Ford Health.
Our focus for this email is safety, with a spotlight on elopement. It’s a common challenge for parents and caregivers. We’ve gathered what you need to know now and in your child’s next milestone stage.
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When a child with autism wanders away from a parent or caregiver — or actively bolts from their home, it’s called “elopement.” Of children with autism under the age of 7, 50% will show elopement behavior, so it’s important to have a plan of action in place.
Explore locks and alarms for doors and windows at home.
Work with your BCBA to help your child learn to stay close and hold your hand or the shopping cart, especially in parking lots.
Place little ones directly in the shopping cart whenever possible.
Advocate for getting a disability parking placard from your child’s doctor.
As you develop your plan, always think ahead to what your child will be capable of doing next
Be prepared in case your child elopes
Place labels in your child’s clothing, use an ID bracelet and a GPS or tracking device.
Work with your BCBA to help your child learn how to share identifying details and a phone number.
Make sure your neighbors know your child by name and by sight — and share with them that your child has autism and is likely to elope.
From an early age, enroll your child in swimming lessons. Drowning is the No.1 cause of death in children with autism.
Critically important for teens with autism
If an older child or teen is out on their own and encounters law enforcement, the situation can escalate quickly — particularly if the teen is a male of color and is non-verbal.
“Many of my families who have young men who elope, especially those of color, fear that their child will not be given the grace and that space to not be responsive to law enforcement,” says Dr. Johnson-Hooper.
Get to know law enforcement in your community and make sure each member knows your child, knows your child has autism and may not be responsive in stressful situations.
Take the time to educate others about your child and where you live. And, says Dr. Johnson-Hooper, give people grace. They may not understand how autism increases the risk of elopement, or that you are doing everything you can to prevent it.
What do parents and caregivers need to do about elopement throughout a child’s life stages?
In young children: know that elopement is likely, but there are ways you can prevent it — and ways you can find your child quickly when they do elope. One of the key benefits of starting ABA therapy early is you can help your child build the skills needed to stay close to you and other caregivers when out in the community. Always keep the next stage of development in mind when creating your anti-elopement plan. Your child’s pediatrician is a good resource to help you learn about what’s to come. Start swim lessons early to help your child build the skills needed should they elope to a swimming pool, pond, or lake.
In middle stages: continue to hold your child’s hand, especially when you are crossing streets or are in a parking lot. Make sure every caregiver knows the importance of close supervision, especially when at parks and playgrounds. Advocate for a disability parking placard — your child’s doctor can authorize this. Continue practicing and rewarding your child when they stay close if you are at the grocery store or out in the community. Make sure your neighbors know your child, that your child has autism and is at risk for elopement.
In transition to adulthood: the risks of community members misinterpreting your teen’s autism are greater now. This can be significant, particularly if he’s male, and perceived by people who don’t know him to be a threat. This is even more likely if he is a person of color and non-verbal. Make sure your child is known by all law enforcement in the area. Educate them about autism and how it can affect a teen’s ability to respond to their name or to simple commands. Continue to make sure your neighbors and other community members know your young adult and about the risk of their elopement.
Aims to accommodate everyone in all Y programs. Reach out to the aquatic director at your local YMCA to share any information that will help them better serve your child in swim lessons and other programming.
Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals of color impacted by autism spectrum disorder. Through programs and support groups, The Color of Autism connects families to culturally competent support. This organization was founded by a mom whose son was diagnosed with autism in 2008. 313-444-9035
Help, hope and answers, including AAoM’s robust MiNavigator, a state-wide resource for families on all issues related to autism. Visit AAoM for its comprehensive calendar of events. 877-463-AAOM
A family dog recognized the need to protect a young child with autism from elopement at home, so this family leaned in and placed the dog’s bowl by the front door. If the child tries to exit the home, the dog barks to alert the child’s parents or caregivers. At night, the dog sleeps outside the child’s bedroom. What a unique and organic solution to a very common challenge!
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