Safety and the Autistic Runaway

Some people with autism walk away, run away, or literally escape from a closed, locked building. The reasons vary and may be impossible to predict. When a person with autism disappears, caregivers rightly spring into action. Of course, not every person with autism "elopes," but if you have any concerns it's a good idea to be prepared. Luckily, there are low-tech, low-cost steps families can take to be ready ahead of time, just in case.

Once you've installed deadlocks and out-of-reach bolts on doors and windows, expert Dennis Debbaudt recommends simple bells on doors and windows -- an effective, low-cost way to let families know that someone is leaving the house. If you do decide to install a burglar alarm, Debbaudt recommends getting a number of bids from local companies that can and will provide custom solutions to your concerns.

Not everyone knows their neighbors -- and not every neighbor can identify a runaway. Debbaudt recommends providing neighbors with a photo of a potential runaway, along with a friendly request that they get in touch immediately if they see this person wandering on his own. To lessen possible embarrassment, he suggests that caregivers make the offer to return the favor for a neighbor who may want someone to keep an eye out for one of their loved ones, be it a person or even a pet.

It's easy and effective to put together a basic identification sheet that can be photocopied and attached to your loved one's clothing, backpack, and other belongings. In addition, prepare and photocopy a sheet to share with police and neighbors in case of an emergency. Include a recent photo, contact information, and details on how best to approach or engage with your autistic loved one. A temporary identification tatoo may be a good precaution if you're planning a trip to a new location or crowded venue.

Debbaudt suggests that caregivers connect with the police before an emergency occurs, so that one phone call can alert a whole network of prepared searchers. In some communities, a police program called "Take Me Home" actually sends images of and information about missing persons directly to police cars in the area.

Debbaudt notes that parents are often concerned that the police will suspect a runaway child is running "for a reason" and investigate their home and parenting skills. These concerns are real. To avoid any possible suspicions, Debbaudt recommends that parents scrupulously childproof their home, removing or locking up knives, guns, and other dangerous items. He also recommends keeping a log of safety precautions.

Like people with autism, people with Alzheimer's disease may wander, with no clear understanding of where they are or what to do next. In many areas, the Alzheimer's community has support in place to provide for their wandering loved ones. Debbaudt recommends connecting with that community to find resources and to advocate for police training, high-tech tracking systems and other necessary programs.

GPS locators and other high-tech tracking systems may sound like great ways to keep tabs on an autistic wanderer. But Debbaudt says these shouldn't be a first choice. Tracking devices can be removed -- and many people with autism dislike the feel of bracelets and anklets. What's more, GPS devices require that searchers be seated in front of a computer, preventing them from being able to be out searching the area.

What should your autistic loved one do if he can't find you? What should you do if your child with autism disappears? Like anything else, coping with an autistic runaway will be more effective if it's practiced over and over again. Role play with your autistic loved one, making sure he knows where to find and how to present his identification card. Know where to find photos of your loved one, what number to call, and how to alert neighbors.