Elopement, sometimes referred to as wandering, is a behavior commonly seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While you may associate the term "elope" with running off to get married, in the context of autism, developmental delay, or intellectual delay, elopement tends to describe when an individual leaves an area or the vicinity of their caregiver without permission. This behavior can pose significant risks to their safety and well-being. In this article, you will explore risks, behavior functions, and prevention strategies for elopement in autistic individuals.
What is Elopement and Why Does it Occur?
The term "elope" originally means to run away and not return to where you belong or started. Research studies indicate that parenting style is not necessarily to blame for wandering behaviors. There are many reasons a child may wander.
Parents surveyed often noted that their child wandered simply because they enjoyed running and exploring. Others said that their child might be heading to a favorite spot or trying to escape overwhelming sensory stimuli.
For autistic children, wandering may stem from sensory overload, communication difficulties, or even an intense interest in a specific place. For instance, one child might run off to escape loud noises that make them anxious, while another might be drawn to something they desire, like a toy or ice cream.
Other situations that may lead to elopement include:
- Sensory overload – escaping overwhelming stimuli
- Communication difficulties – inability to express needs
- Curiosity – exploring new places or objects
- Avoiding social situations – escaping uncomfortable interactions
- Escape from structured settings – leaving school or therapy
- Intense interests – going to specific places or activities
- Lack of safety awareness – not recognizing danger
- Impulsivity – acting without considering risks
It’s essential to recognize that this behavior isn’t necessarily about being defiant, instead it may be a reaction to how the child perceives and interacts with their environment.
Percentage of Elopement in Autism
Elopement is a significant concern for many families of children with autism spectrum disorder. A recent survey revealed that 49% of respondents reported their child with autism had attempted to elope at least once after the age of 4. Among these, 26% of children, or 53% of those who engaged in elopement behaviors, were missing long enough to raise serious safety concerns.
In comparison, siblings of children with ASD showed a much lower incidence of elopement, with only 13% of them having ever eloped after age 4. The difference is striking: from ages 4 to 7, 46% of children with autism eloped, while just 11% of their unaffected siblings did. Similarly, between ages 8 and 11, 27% of children with autism eloped, compared to only 1% of their nonaffected siblings.
Risks of Elopement in Autism
Elopement presents serious safety concerns and risks, such as:
- Wandering into roads increases the risk of being struck by vehicles.
- Pools, lakes, or rivers, pose a significant hazard, especially since many individuals with autism are drawn to water and may not be able to swim.
- Being outside without proper clothing or shelter can result in hypothermia, heat exhaustion, or dehydration.
- Running or climbing in unsafe areas can lead to accidents.
- Wandering into unfamiliar areas can lead to harmful interactions with strangers and animals.
The severity of these risk factors often depends on the individual and their surroundings. For instance, if the person is non-verbal, or if the area nearby is dangerous.
Challenges to Avoiding Elopement of Autistic Individuals
Ensuring the safety of autistic individuals presents a range of unique challenges. These include:
- Many individuals with autism may not recognize potentially hazardous situations, increasing their vulnerability.
- Difficulties in expressing needs or asking for help can make it harder for others to intervene quickly in risky situations.
- Overwhelming sensory environments can trigger distress, leading to elopement as a means of escape.
- Impulsive actions or difficulty managing emotions can heighten the likelihood of wandering off.
- A fascination with certain objects, places, or sensations may drive a tendency to wander.
To effectively address these challenges, a collaborative effort is essential. Caregivers, educators, and professionals trained in autism support must work together to create strategies tailored to the individual's needs and circumstances.
Preventative Strategies to Address Elopement
- Safeguard your living space with locks, alarms, window guards, or safety gates to prevent unsupervised wandering.
- Equip your child using identification tools such as with an ID tag/bracelet or a GPS tracker to monitor their location and ensure they can easily be connected to help if they wander. Work with your local police who may provide solutions free of charge.
- Introduce your child to basic safety rules, such as staying indoors unless with an adult or practicing road safety. Role-playing and social stories may help make these lessons engaging and clear.
- Inform neighbors, local police, and community members about your child's tendency to wander. Having a community aware and ready to help can be a valuable resource.
- Develop a plan for potential elopement scenarios, including keeping recent photos of your child, a list of places they might visit, and contact details for authorities and emergency resources.
- Offer sensory items or comfort objects that can help your child manage anxiety or overstimulation, reducing the likelihood of wandering.
These proactive measures work together to create a safer environment and help mitigate the risks associated with elopement.
FAQ
What is an example of elopement behavior in autism?
An example of elopement behavior in autism could be a child leaving the house without telling anyone, running toward a nearby park or body of water, or attempting to escape from a structured environment like a school or therapy session.
Do adults with autism elope?
Yes, adults with autism can also elope. Like children, elopement can follow sensory overload, anxiety, or a desire to go to a specific place.
What age do children with autism typically start eloping?
Elopement often begins after age 4, though it can vary depending on the child's development and environment. Some may start earlier or later. As soon as a child is mobile, it’s a good idea to address safety concerns.
Does elopement in autism always happen when the child is upset?
Not necessarily. While elopement can happen in response to stress, anxiety, or sensory overload, some children may elope out of curiosity, a desire to explore, or because they are drawn to a particular interest.
Conclusion
Elopement in individuals with autism can be a serious safety concern that requires understanding, empathy, and proactive strategies. Elopement may be a response to sensory overload, communication barriers, or an intense focus on specific interests. The risks associated with elopement, include traffic accidents, exposure to extreme weather, as well as other concerns, highlighting the importance of implementing preventative measures.
By securing environments, teaching safety skills, and building strong support networks, caregivers can help reduce the likelihood of wandering and create a safer, more inclusive world for autistic individuals. Through collaboration and tailored approaches, it’s possible to address the challenges of elopement while respecting the unique needs of each individual.
