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Elopement and Autism: A Parent’s Guide to Safety, Prevention, and Support
You're at the grocery store, comparing cereal boxes for just a moment, when you turn around to find an empty space where your child was standing. That split second of panic, the racing heart, the immediate mental checklist of where they could have gone—it's a reality many parents of autistic children know all too well. This behavior, known as elopement or "wandering," is often referred to in discussions of eloping autism, and it can be an overwhelming challenge that families face.
Research shows that nearly half of autistic children have eloped at least once after age 4, making elopement in autism a widespread concern that deserves our attention and understanding. If you're reading this, you're not alone in navigating these fears and uncertainties. We’re here to help you understand why elopement happens, what to do when it occurs, how to create effective prevention and intervention strategies, and where you can find the support you need.
