12/08/2025
π¨ Letβs Talk About Elopement (Wandering) in Autism π§©
With recent heartbreaking news about a person with disability being harmed on the EDSA Carousel (read more), it reminds us just how urgent and important it is to talk about safety, understanding, and dignity for our neurodivergent community.
For some autistic children and teens, elopementβor sudden wandering/running away from safe spacesβis not simply βmisbehavior.β Itβs often a sign of sensory overload, stress, or unmet communication needs.
π Did You Know?
Nearly 50% of autistic children have attempted to wander from a safe environment (Anderson et al., 2012).
These incidents peak between ages 4 to 7, and can happen in seconds.
Traditional behaviorism alone does not address why elopement happens and may overlook deeper needs (Pereira-Smith et al., 2019; McLaughlin et al., 2018).
π‘οΈ Tips for Parents & Caregivers:
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Learn your childβs patterns and triggers
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Use visual tools or AAC to support communication
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Secure the environment, if needed (locks, GPS, alarms)
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Focus on compassionate understanding, not just correction
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Partner with your childβs therapists and teachers for support
π¬ Letβs shift the conversation from βHow do we stop this?β to βWhat is my child trying to say or avoid?β
Elopement is a safety issue, not a behavior problem. And in light of stories like the recent one on EDSA, we must work together to ensure understanding, empathy, and safety for all neurodivergent individuals.