Autism and Elopement – Understanding the Causes and Reducing the Risks

Elopement refers to the act of leaving a designated area without permission, supervision, or the knowledge of those responsible for the individual. In the context of autism, elopement involves autistic individuals wandering away, running or bolting from safe and supervised environments, putting their safety at risk.

The Curriculum for Autism lists the following as examples of elopement:

• Climbing out of the bedroom window during the night when everyone else in the house is asleep.
• Running out of the front or back door of the house while a parent is in the bathroom.
• Suddenly running out onto the road while walking along the street with parents.
• Escaping from the back garden while parents are distracted by siblings.
• Bolting from parents in a busy store or mall.
• Leaving the classroom while the teacher is busy.
• Running away from the teacher in the hallway.
• Escaping from the school playground.
• Leaving school, without permission, to return home.
• Trying to exit a vehicle during a journey.

A 2012 study on the occurrence and family impact of elopement in autistic children found that:

• nearly half of autistic children have a tendency to wander/bolt from safe settings
• autistic children are four times more likely to elope between the age of four and seven than their siblings who aren’t autistic
• 74 percent of children who eloped did so from either their own home or someone else’s house, 40 percent eloped from stores, and 29 percent eloped from a classroom or school building
• of those who went missing, 24% were in danger of drowning and 65% were in danger of traffic injury
• elopement risk is associated with autism severity
• elopement attempts peaked at age 5.4 years

It’s also important to note that more than one third of autistic children who wander/elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number. Other dangers may include dehydration, heat stroke, hypothermia, falls, physical restraint, or encounters with strangers.

The characteristics of autism such as sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and fixations contribute to the increased likelihood of elopement. An overwhelming sensory environment, difficulty expressing needs or emotions, and intense focus on particular interests can all play a role in elopement behaviors among autistic individuals.

What causes elopement to happen with autistic individuals?

Understanding the reasons for elopement can help anyone supporting an autistic individual develop strategies to prevent and manage this behavior effectively.

Sensory Overload or Seeking Sensory Input

Sensory overload can manifest as certain physical symptoms, meaning there is an overwhelmed response to various sensory stimuli. These signs can be seen through a person’s reactions to sounds, lights, textures, and smells. Physical signs will vary from person to person, and each individual may have their unique sensory triggers and responses. Sensory overload can be so distressing that it may trigger the flight response.

Some individuals seek out sensory stimuli that they find comforting or enjoyable or to alert themselves. For example, my autistic adult son finds watching a ceiling fan calming and he may leave a busy area to have a quiet time with a fan.

Thr0ugh elopement, autistic individuals may be trying to regulate their sensory systems or find a more predictable and familiar environment. It’s important for support people to identify potential triggers for sensory overload and provide appropriate sensory supports to help autistic individuals feel more comfortable and secure in their surroundings.

Communication Challenges/ Expressing Oneself

Elopement can happen because of the frustration an individual feels trying to be understood, expressing their emotions, and communicating their needs/wants. Wandering away can be an attempt to communicate their distress or escape from a situation that they find overwhelming.

By providing alternative means of communication such as visual supports, listening, respecting a person’s wishes, understanding their communication style and allowing time for responding can help reduce the likelihood of elopement related to communication difficulties.

Interests and Passions

Monotropic minds tend to have their attention pulled more strongly towards a smaller number of interests at any given time. Monotropism is the tendency for interests to pull autistic individuals in more strongly than most people. It rests on a model of the mind as an ‘interest system’: autistic people are interested in many things, and their interests help direct their attention.  Interests can be all-consuming and may lead autistic individuals to wander off in pursuit of their interest.

By incorporating an individual’s interests into their daily routines and activities, adults in support roles can provide a sense of predictability and engagement, reducing the urge to elope in pursuit of their interests.

Promoting Safety

Raising awareness about autism and elopement helps ensure the safety of individuals whether at home, school, or in the community. Educate people abo0ut the risks and challenges associated with elopement. Provide information and resources to teachers, healthcare professionals, and the general public to foster a more inclusive and supportive society for autistic individuals.

Developing strategies for prevention and intervention is important in managing elopement risks. Here are some approaches from Yellow Bus ABA Autism Therapy and Services:

1. Environmental Modifications: Creating a safe and secure environment by using locks, alarms, and fencing can help prevent elopement incidents.
2. Visual Supports: Visual cues such as social stories, visual schedules, established routines and visual cues for boundaries can help autistic individuals understand and follow safety rules.
3. Individualized Safety Plans: Working with professionals, such as therapists and educators, to develop personalized safety plans can help address specific elopement triggers and behaviors.
4. Tracking Devices: Utilizing wearable tracking devices or GPS technology can provide an additional layer of safety and peace of mind for families.

Record Elopement Incidents

We can learn from elopement incidents. Keep careful records of every elopement attempt — successful and unsuccessful. Include the following information:

• Where the child was when the incident began.
• Where they were found and where you think they were headed (if those are different places).
• Who they were with before they eloped and who found them.
• The time, date and anything significant about the day.
• What you think triggered their wandering.
• What happened after they were found.

Knowing what events, feelings, needs or stimuli provoked an incident can help better predict (and prevent) future elopements.

If an elopement happens:

1. Search the immediate area: Look in nearby places where the person may have gone, such as a park or store.
2. Call for help: Contact law enforcement and other agencies in your area to report the elopement and get assistance with the search. Have a recent photo of the person available.
3. Notify friends and family: Let others know that your child is missing and ask for their help in finding them.

Elopement is a common issue for autistic individuals and a potentially dangerous one. Knowing why it happens and taking preventative steps can help keep an autistic person safe. There are many resources available to help navigate the challenges of elopement.

Resources

Autism and Wandering Safety Booklet – Teachers

Autism Safety Kit

Big Red Safety Box

Big Red Safety Box Video

References

About Autism & Wandering. National Autism Association

(October 25, 2024) Autism and Elopement: What You Need To Know About Wandering. Cleveland Clinic

(March 5, 2025) Elopement and Autism: Everything You Need to Know. Yellow Bus ABA Autism and Therapy Services

Elopement Behavior in Kids with Autism. Curriculum for Autism