The Dangers of Wandering

From TC Palm:

It’s difficult, Naeder said, to pinpoint the exact reason children with autism wander away from their homes, schools and other safe places. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means symptoms and behaviors can vary widely. But it’s worth examining potential causes so families can watch for triggers. “It could be a person with autism is seeking something,” Naeder said. Perhaps a special item or favorite location. “Or, as a result of their autism, they could be fleeing from something,” she explained. Maybe a loud noise or bright light.That also can make search-and-rescue missions challenging. Children with autism might run away from the sound of police vehicles or helicopters. If they are nonverbal, as Chelsea was, they might not be able to respond to someone calling their name.

Though the causes of wandering are not clear, the prevalence of such behavior is documented. A 2012 study funded by Autism Speaks showed almost half of parents who have a child with autism said their child had tried to bolt from a safe, supervised place. Those were only the reported cases of wandering, so there’s a good chance the actual numbers are larger. “We’ve heard reports of parents sleeping in front of the door … it’s an incredible stressor on the entire family,” said Naeder, a social worker who has an adult brother with autism. The prevalence of autism in the U.S. means it's worth educating not just families who are directly affected, but our communities as a whole. One in 68 children are diagnosed with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control; about 3.5 million Americans are living with the disorder. (Read more.)