AUTISM & WANDERING CAREGIVER RESOURCES In 2008, Danish researchers found that the AWAARE COLLABORATION mortality rate among the autism spectrum awaare.org disorder (ASD) population is twice as high as NAA/UA AUTISM SAFETY TOOLKIT the general population. In 2001, a California nationalautismassociation.org/safetytoolkit research team found that elevated death AUTISM SPEAKS AUTISM SAFETY PROJECT rates among those with ASD were in large autismsafetyproject.org part attributed to drowning. ASA SAFE & SOUND SAFETY INITIATIVE autism-society.org Drowning often occurs as a result of wan- dering off. Drowning, along with pro- CHILD SAFETY PRODUCTS longed exposure and other factors, mypreciouskid.com remain among the top causes of death SelectAutismMerchandise.com within the autism population. Although tattooswithapurpose.com there is no known data that recognizes SERVICE DOGS whether deaths associated with wandering autismservicedogsofamerica.com are on the rise within the autism population, 4pawsforability.org anecdotal reports suggest an increase. TRACKING SYSTEMS & MEDICAL DEVICES Project Lifesaver: projectlifesaver.org There are various reasons someone with LoJack SafetyNet: lojacksafetynet.com ASD may wander. Many parents report their EmFinders: emfinders.com child gravitates towards water, so nearby Caretrak Systems: caretrak.com lakes, ponds and creeks may continue to be Alzheimer’s Comfort Zone: alz.org/comfortzone a desired destination. Too, someone with Medicalert: medicalert.com ASD is likely aware when attention has A Child is Missing: achildismissing.org shifted away from them and will take the FOR FIRST RESPONDERS & CAREGIVERS opportunity to slip out quickly in order to National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: reach a desired area or item of interest. missingkids.com | 1-800-THE-LOST Autism Risk Management: Family gatherings or other events may give autismriskmanagement.com a false impression of “all eyes on” someone The Autism & Law Enforcement Education Coalition: autism & with ASD. However, heavy distractions can sncarc.org/alec.htm present opportunities to leave unnoticed. The Law Enforcement Awareness Network WANDERING Visiting relatives or episodes of distress also leanonus.org may increase the risk for wandering. This Autism Alliance for Local Emergency Responder also holds true in warmer months when persons with ASD are more likely to play Training: AutismAlert.org outside or attend summer or day camps. SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS: Designed & Printed by: National Autism Association & Talk About Curing Autism WANDERING CAN OCCUR ANY- Supported By: Age of Autism | Autism One | Autism WHERE AT ANYTIME. THE FIRST Research Institute | Autism Speaks | Doug Flutie Jr. TIME IS OFTEN THE WORST TIME. Foundation for Autism | HollyRod Foundation | National Autism Association | Safeminds | Talk About Curing Autism Join Autism Wandering Prevention on Facebook prevention | safety tips | resources SECURE YOUR HOME TEACH YOUR CHILD TO SWIM ALERT FIRST RESPONDERS Consider contacting a professional lock- Swimming lessons for children with Providing first responders with key infor- smith, security company or home special needs are available at many YMCA mation before an incident occurs may improvement professional to promote locations. The final lesson should be with improve response. Informational hand- safety and prevention in your home. You clothes on. REMEMBER: outs should include all pertinent infor- may find it is necessary to prevent your loved one from slipping away unno- R Teaching your child how to swim DOES mation, and be copied and carried with ticed by: NOT mean your child is safe in water. caregivers at all times. Circulate the R If you own a pool, fence your pool. Use handout to family, neighbors, friends and Installing secure dead bolt locks that R gates that self-close and self-latch higher co-workers, as well as first responders. require keys on both sides. than your children's reach. R Installing a home security alarm system. R Remove all toys or items of interest from R Name of child or adult, current photo- Installing inexpensive battery-operated graph and physical description includ- R the pool when not in use. ing any scars or other identifying marks alarms on doors and windows to alert R Neighbors with pools should be made you when opened (available at stores like aware of these safety precautions and your R Identify your child's favorite song, toy or Walmart and Radio Shack). child’s tendency to wander. character R Names, home, cell and pager phone R Placing hook and eye locks on all doors, The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend swimming classes as the primary means of drowning preven- numbers and addresses of parents, above your child’s reach. tion. Constant, careful supervision and barriers such as pool other caregivers and emergency Fencing your yard. fencing are necessary even when children have completed R swimming classes. All families are encouraged to seek contact persons Adhering printable STOP SIGNS to doors, training in swimming, lifesaving, first aid and cardiopulmo- R nary resuscitation. R Sensory, medical, or dietary issues and windows and other exits, such as gates. ALERT YOUR NEIGHBORS requirements R Favorite attractions and locations CONSIDER A TRACKING DEVICE It is recommended that caregivers plan a where the person may be found Check with local law enforcement for brief visit with neighbors to introduce their R Likes, dislikes, fears, triggers, and de- Project Lifesaver or LoJack SafetyNet loved one or provide a photograph. Know- escalation techniques services. These tracking devices are worn ing your neighbors can help reduce the Method of communication: note if on the wrist or ankle and locate the indi- risks associated with wandering. R vidual through radio frequency. Various nonverbal, uses sign language, picture GPS tracking systems are also available. R Give your neighbor a simple handout with boards, or written words See the RESOURCES section within this your name, address, and phone number. R ID wear, jewelry, tags on clothes pamphlet for more information. R Ask them to call you immediately if they R Map and address guide to nearby see your child outside the home. CONSIDER AN ID BRACELET properties with water sources and R Decide what other information to present dangerous locations highlighted Medical ID bracelets will include your to neighbors. name, telephone number and other R Does your child have a fear of cars and Additional tips can be found at important information. They may also animals or is he/she drawn to them? autismriskmanagement.com state that your child has autism and is R Does your child gravitate towards pools or (above information courtesy of non-verbal if applicable. If your child will nearby ponds or creeks? Dennis Debbaudt) not wear a bracelet or necklace, consider R Does he/she respond to their name or a temporary tattoo with your contact would a stranger think they are deaf? For a generic form that can be used information. See the RESOURCES section R Are there sensory issues or meltdown by any caregiver, regardless of city within this pamphlet for more informa- or state, visit AWAARE.org. tion. triggers your neighbors should know about?.