WORKING TO PREVENT WANDERING INCIDENTS AND DEATHS WITHIN THE AUTISM COMMUNITY

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HOME  ::  AUTISM & WANDERING  ::  FAQS  ::  SAFETY MATERIALS  ::  ABOUT US  ::  RESOURCES

     
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.