- Office of the Child Advocate
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Ari Fertig, Legislative and Communications Director
Boston, MA — The Massachusetts Child Fatality Review Program has released its FY24 Annual Report, which specifically focuses on addressing the dangers of wandering and drowning among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and calls for enhanced prevention efforts across Massachusetts.
The report, released during Autism Acceptance Month, provides a comprehensive overview of risk factors and prevention strategies while making recommendations for increased state support for caregivers and children with ASD.
Children with ASD are at an increased risk of “wandering,” a behavior that can lead to dangerous encounters with bodies of water, traffic, and other hazards. Research cited in the report shows that drowning is the leading cause of death among children with ASD, with 71% of fatal wandering incidents resulting in drowning.
Massachusetts Must Do More to Support Caregivers and Children
The report calls on the Commonwealth to strengthen support for families, including:
- Expanding insurance coverage to include home safety modifications, GPS trackers, and adaptive swimming lessons
- Establishing a pilot program for home safety modification
- Developing and promoting in-service training for first responders, including search and rescue protocols for missing children with ASD
- Creating a centralized resource hub for families seeking safety and service navigation support
“Wandering, combined with heightened interest in water, is a known safety risk for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and we need systemic solutions to support caregivers in protecting their children,” said Maria Mossaides, Director of the Office of the Child Advocate. “We want caregivers to know that they are not alone: there are a variety of resources that can help prevent unnecessary injuries and death of children with ASD.”
The report identifies eight key methods families can use to reduce the risk of harm for children with ASD, including securing the home environment, working with the child’s providers and educators to develop safety skills, and identifying potential dangers in the community.
Addressing Rising Child Fatalities in Massachusetts
Beyond ASD-related fatalities, the report provides a broader look at child deaths in Massachusetts. In 2022, 403 Massachusetts children aged 0-17 died in the state. Although the Massachusetts child fatality rate is the lowest in the country, the 2022 data marks a concerning continuation of the increase in child fatalities in the state since 2020. Unintentional injuries remain a leading cause of death, underscoring the need for proactive public health measures.
This report relies on vital statistics from the Department of Public Health, along with interviews with dozens of subject matter experts, including pediatricians, providers and educators, administrative experts at a wide array of state agencies, and caregivers with lived experience.
The full report is available here. The Massachusetts Child Fatality Review Program is staffed by the Office of the Child Advocate.
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About the Office of the Child Advocate
The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is an independent agency that serves children and families across the Commonwealth. The Office’s goal is to ensure all children receive appropriate, timely and quality services. The OCA collects and analyzes data and makes recommendations to legislators and professionals to improve these services. The Office also takes complaints and provides information to families who receive state services.
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