The dangers of wandering in autistic children

Listen to this article

Sue Povalitis has two sons on the autism spectrum. Both boys have wandered away from their Mechanicsburg home. Even though they have a keypad lock that requires a code, her younger son has figured out the code and escaped on occasion. “We continually change the lock code but do worry on a continual basis,” Povalitis said.

Along with the keypad locks, they also wear Medical ID bracelets that are engraved with their names, phone numbers and medical diagnoses. “We also wear matching shirts while visiting airports or amusement parks. When my older son wandered away at Disney World he ended up being found by a family who only spoke Spanish. Because of the matching shirts they handed over my son when they found us.”

Wandering, as defined by the National Autism Society, is the tendency for an individual to try to leave the safety of a responsible person’s care or a safe area, which can result in potential harm.

This behavior is considered common and short-lived in toddlers, but it may persist or re-emerge in children and adults with autism. Nearly half of all children with autism engage in wandering behavior.

Melissa Troutman, of Reading, found out firsthand just how heartbreaking wandering incidents can become. Her 6-year-old autistic son, Brayden, was visiting his father on a warm day in June 2015. Brayden had been playing in his bedroom, while his father was in the bathroom. His father discovered Brayden was not in the home and he and Brayden’s grandmother quickly combed the neighborhood searching for him.

Tragically, they found Brayden had wandered into a neighbor’s backyard that had a fence, but an unlatched gate. Brayden was able to get into the backyard and fell into their in-ground pool. Brayden’s father performed CPR but Brayden later died at the hospital.

His family wants other parents to know the dangers of wandering—and how to prevent it.

Tips to Help Prevent Wandering-Related Tragedies

Meet with your local law enforcement. Provide a current photo of your child along with a letter describing your child’s needs and diagnosis. Describe in the letter any identifying marks, how your child should be approached, what communication methods they use or if they are nonverbal, and what areas of your town they are drawn to.

Make sure to note whether they can swim and what familiar water they may be drawn to. Include all emergency contact numbers including extended family and teachers.

Have a plan. The National Autism association recommends that every family of a person with autism have a Family Wandering Emergency Plan. This plan should be readily accessible to all family members and should outline each person’s responsibilities and exactly what steps will be taken following a wandering incident.

Teach them, when possible. Getting swimming lessons for your young child with autism may be the most important thing you can do. “Looking back, I wish I never would have let Brayden rely on floaties while swimming. I wish we would have gotten him used to treading water and enlisted him in swim lessons,” Troutman said. She also recommends that all families of children with autism get to know their neighbors. “See if they have pools in their backyards and see if they have fences and latches that are up to code. Tell them about your children with autism and their unique needs. Do not be embarrassed to ask them to keep an extra eye out for your child and to call you immediately if they see your child out in the neighborhood,” she said.

Keep them out (or in). Secure your home by contacting a locksmith, security company or home improvement professional to assist you. Install secure dead bolts, a home security alarm system, or inexpensive alarms/chimes on doors. Install a secure aluminum fence in your backyard if you are able.