According to the Autism Society, wandering (also called elopement) is a common behavior in individuals with autism. Wandering occurs when someone leaves a safe environment or supervision, and it can happen quickly and unexpectedly.
Why This Matters
Research shows that:
- Nearly half of children with autism attempt to wander at some point.
- Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism who wander, accounting for about 91% of deaths in children under 14.
- Individuals with autism are significantly more likely to be drawn to water or found near it if they go missing.
Water can be calming, quiet, and sensory-friendly—making it especially appealing for some individuals. However, this attraction increases risk if proper supervision and safety measures are not in place.
How Families & Schools Can Help
Simple, proactive steps can make a life-saving difference:
- Maintain close supervision anytime students are near water
- Secure environments with locked gates, alarms, or barriers around pools
- Teach water safety skills early, including swimming when possible
- Create a safety plan that identifies nearby water sources and emergency steps
- Communicate with neighbors and staff so more people are aware and alert
The Autism Society also offers checklists, social stories, and safety toolkits to help families and educators prepare for real-life situations.
A Shared Responsibility
Water safety is a community effort. By increasing awareness and taking preventative steps, we can help ensure all students enjoy a safe and fun summer.
For more resources, visit the Autism Society’s Water & Wandering program: https://autismsociety.org/water-and-wandering/