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Autism, Wandering and Water Safety: Information for Providers & Educators

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with ASD, often following wandering (also called elopement or bolting). Yet only one-third of parents report receiving information or strategies for dealing with wandering. You can make a difference by understanding the risks, educating and engaging caregivers, and connecting families to support. This page contains key talking points and helpful resources.
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Fast Facts

  • Wandering—also known as elopement or bolting—is significantly more common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) than in neurotypical children. Four- to five-year-olds with ASD are nearly five times more likely to wander, and 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.
  • Only 1 in 3 caregivers report receiving formal guidance on this topic from a provider.
  • Parents of children with ASD who wander often change their routines—limiting outings or avoiding outside supervision—to keep their child safe. Constant vigilance, care coordination, and daily caregiving demands can understandably lead to caregiver fatigue.
  • While safety is never guaranteed, home modifications, therapeutic supports, and emergency preparedness can help prevent wandering and drowning. 

Anticipatory Guidance

  • Talking about the risk of wandering and drowning with a caregiver is difficult and important. Don’t wait, engage families on the topic as soon as possible.
  • Before introducing the topic, work to create a safe and supportive space.
  • Introduce the topic gently, with facts.
  • Highlight the risk without alarm. Emphasize prevention and preparedness, not fear.
  • Ask the caregiver if they are concerned about wandering behaviors and/or water safety, and invite a dialogue
  • Using resources on this page, offer practical supports and resources
  • Reassure caregivers that safety planning is a normal and important part of parenting
  • Read and reference this Fact sheet for helpful talking points and resources to share with parents (Provider fact sheet under development)

Resource and Services

  • Home modifications, such as locks, fencing, and window guards can prevent the child from leaving when installed and used appropriately. Learn more about financial resources and options for home modifications appear on the Autism, Wandering, and Water Safety: Financial Resources page.
  • Tracking and monitoring devices can alert a caregiver as soon as a child has wandered and expedite locating the child who has wandered. Learn more about tracking device options appear on the Autism, Wandering, and Water Safety: Financial Resources page.
  • Preparation and planning are key to any successful emergency response. Caregivers can proactively engage responders first before an elopement, maintain a file of information—including a current picture—that can help in an emergency and engage their neighbors and community members for help.
  • Adaptive Swim Lessons won’t prevent wandering, but they can buy time in case of an emergency. Learn about adaptive swim lesson options in Massachusetts here: Learn to Swim!
  • Wandering behavior can be addressed by Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and other therapeutic treatments and reinforced at home, school, and other programming such as early intervention. Find therapeutic options through Treatment Connection
  • Caregivers must cope with the very real fear of knowing the risks associated with wandering.  Support services in Massachusetts include the Parental Stress Line (1-800-632-8188), Autism Support Centers,  and Special Education Parent Advisory Councils.

Additional Resources

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