Skip to main content

Autism, Wandering, and Water Safety: Information for Community Members & Neighbors

There’s a good chance a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) lives in your neighborhood. Children with ASD are more likely to leave safe places on their own, and many are drawn to water. Sadly, drowning is the number one cause of death for children with ASD. This page shares helpful tips and information to support these children and their families.
Skip table of contents

Table of Contents

You skipped the table of contents section.

Fast Facts

  • About 1 in 31 eight-year-olds has an ASD diagnosis.
  • Wandering—also known as elopement or bolting—is more common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) than in other children. 25% to 50% of caregivers of children with ASD have observed wandering behaviors in the past six months.
  • Nearly half (49%) of fatal wandering incidents begin at home.
  • Many children with ASD are drawn to water, which may contribute to the fact that drownings account for 71% of fatal wandering.
  • Drowning is the leading cause of death among children with ASD.

Quick Tips

  • Secure pools, ponds, water features, and other hazards around your home with fencing and barriers. Learn more at Safety Tips for Pool Owners.
  • Stay vigilant for unsupervised children and be prepared to help them.
  • Get to know your neighbors and offer support where you can.
  • Stay calm if you see a child wandering; do not run after the child because that may cause them to become lost.
  • Call 911 if you are concerned for the child’s safety and cannot contact the caregiver.

Additional Resources

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback