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BECOME
AWAARE
With little public
understanding about autism-related wandering, coupled
with a lack of resources to combat occurrences, drowning
deaths associated with autism elopement remain a leading
cause of fatalities among children and adults on the
autism spectrum. Although no formal data exists about
the number of wandering incidents per year, cases are
becoming increasingly common and awareness alone can
play a major role in reducing occurrences. To learn
more, click here.
RESEARCH
Autism is a diagnosis
that represents many symptoms, some of which can lead to
serious health and safety risks, including death. In
2008, Danish researchers found that the mortality rate
among the autism population is twice as high as the
general population. In 2001, a California research team
attributed elevated death rates in large part to drowning. Drowning,
prolonged exposure, and other wandering-related factors
remain among the top causes of death within the autism
population. Currently, no estimates exist and no formal
methods are in place to track how many children and
adults wander per year, but in a 2007 online poll
through the National Autism Association, 92% of parents
reported that their child/ren with autism have a
tendency to wander.
DOWNLOAD & SHARE
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the dangers
of wandering, as well as share the information with
friends, family and members of the community. Prevention
materials, including this
general brochure, can be
printed and sent electronically to anyone who may need
the information. Other sections of this site, such as
FAQ’s, covers many aspects of prevention, response and
resources. Anyone with a child or adult with autism
should complete a
first-responder alert form and
consider a
Family Wandering Emergency Plan (FWEP). For
those that have a child in a school or daycare setting,
a sample
IEP letter has been created to help ensure your
child’s safety outside of the home. To reach others who
may not be aware of wandering prevention initiatives,
share this on
Facebook
and other sites, or simply email
the information to friends. Outreach is a critical
component in spreading the word about autism-related
wandering.
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