08/19/2025
It happens from homes, schools, and every kind of supervised setting, even with the most attentive parents, teachers, relatives, and police officers.
It happens to those who can swim, and those who cannot.
It happens during the day, overnight, in cold or warm water, shallow or deep, murky or clear -- even with the very best safety measures in place.
Here’s how the public can help save lives:
Stay alert: If you see a child alone, don’t assume they’re safe. Inquire, ask if they need help, or alert someone nearby.
Check your surroundings: If a child with autism is reported missing in your area, check nearby water, like ponds, lakes, rivers, or pools immediately. In urban or densely populated areas where natural water is limited, thoroughly check parked cars by opening doors and looking inside. Children and adults may seek out enclosed, quiet spaces.
Raise awareness: Share this message. Many don’t know that wandering is a leading cause of death for autistic children, even those who have a child with autism or are awaiting a diagnosis.
Support families: Offer practical help, such as providing or funding safety tools like home security systems, GPS or radio frequency trackers, or secure fencing. If you’re part of a YMCA or similar organization, offer adaptive swim lessons tailored to children with autism. Attending an event or gathering with a family of a child with autism? Volunteer to keep a close, watchful eye -- they need constant, hyper-vigilant supervision in unfamiliar settings.
Act fast: If a person with autism goes missing, call 911 immediately. Time is critical.
Always
Prevention resources are linked in comments or bio.
