By Shannin Prather
July 2018 | 2018 Summer Newsletter
Wandering behaviors are common for seniors diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. But did you know that children and adults with autism are also prone to wandering? With autism, this type of wandering is known as elopement, bolting, or running.
According to a 2012 study, when an opportunity arose, nearly 50% of children with autism wandered away from their safe environment or guardian. Tendencies to stray carry unique challenges for individuals with autism. Education about strategies to manage these behaviors will help keep safe those with autism.
The National Autism Association (NAA) reports that wandering is usually a form of communication, with the message being ‘I need’, ‘I want’, or ‘I do not want.’ The wanderer is trying to move toward something of interest or move away from something bothersome.
The NAA offers tips for guardians or caregivers of individuals with autism to assist in teaching self-help techniques to help autistic individuals manage wandering, which include:
- Identify triggers that could prompt fleeing, such as loud noise or bright lights. Teach the individual safe, alternative ways to respond
- Use calming tools such as noise-cancelling headphones or weighted blankets. Teach calming techniques using favorite topics or items
- Enroll in swimming lessons with the final lessons done with clothes and shoes on
- Demonstrate safety by sharing social stories to teach individuals ways to stay safe. Use favorite objects or tools to show outside time versus inside time
Autism Speaks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has partnered with Twigtale to develop teaching stories which you can personalize to teach autistic individuals about safety.
Learn more at www.autismspeaks.org. Access additional tips and resources on autism and wandering behaviors at nationalautismassociation.org.