Elopement Safety: Real-Life Prevention Tips as Summer Begins
- Spectrum Empowered
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
As the first week of summer kicks off, many families are embracing longer days, pool visits, park adventures, and travel. But for parents especially those of children living with autism, summer can also bring an increase in safety concern when it comes to elopement.
At Spectrum Empowered, we want to take this opportunity to remind you: You are not alone, and there are real, effective ways to help your child stay safe while still enjoying summer fun.
What Is Elopement?
Elopement refers to a child leaving a safe or supervised space unexpectedly, such as running out of the house, leaving a store, or wandering away from caregivers. According to the National Autism Association, nearly half of autistic children will attempt to elope, often drawn to water, traffic, or preferred locations.
It’s a serious concern, especially during summer when routines shift, schedules change, and outdoor activities become more frequent.
Real-Life, Attainable Elopement Prevention Tips
Let’s look at simple, practical strategies you can start using this week, right in your home or neighborhood.
🏡 At Home
1. Install Simple Safety Tools
✅ Use door alarms, chimes, or locks that are out of reach.
✅ Place STOP signs or red visual cues near exits.
2. Practice “Stop, Wait, and Come Back” Daily
➡️ Use short practice moments around the house (e.g., by the front door or garage)
➡️ Reinforce each correct response with a preferred item or praise.
3. Build a Visual Schedule & Safety Plan
🧩 Visual routines help your child know what’s coming next, which reduces impulsive attempts to leave.
📘 Create a social story about staying safe or only leaving with an adult.
4. Teach Through Play
🚪 Play pretend with dolls or toys to model staying inside, asking for help, or waiting for an adult.
🎯 Turn safety practice into a game with fun rewards.
🏞️ In the Community
1. Use Visual Identification
👕 Have your child wear an ID bracelet or tag with your contact info.
📱 Consider a GPS tracker (AngelSense, Jiobit, AirTag with secure holder).
2. Create Predictable Routines for Outings
🏪 Before going out, use a visual or verbal preview like our favorite, Premack: "First store, then home."
👟 Practice walking in designated spots or holding hands.
3. Visit Familiar Places Frequently
🧸 Repetition builds comfort. Revisit stores, parks, or centers so your child feels safe and less likely to dart away due to fear or overstimulation.
4. Designate a “Safe Adult”
👮 Teach your child to identify helpers like store employees or police.
📷 Use photos of uniforms or badges in your visual teaching tools.
👨👩👧👦 Parent Reminders (For All Parents) this Summer
As we enter a season full of sunshine, splash pads, and new adventures, remember:
Wandering can happen in seconds, stay close, stay alert.
Communicate your child’s safety needs to babysitters, family, and neighbors.
Review your emergency plan and make sure recent photos are saved in your phone.
Practice does not need to be perfect, it just needs to be consistent.
📍 Local Resources for Families in the Houston Area
🔹 Project Lifesaver – Harris County Sheriff’s Office
GPS tracking bracelets for individuals who are prone to wandering.
🔹 AngelSense GPS Tracker
Specialized GPS and voice monitoring designed for autism safety.
🔹 Big Red Safety Toolkit (Free)
Downloadable wandering prevention resources by the National Autism Association.
www.nationalautismassociation.org
🦋 Spectrum Empowered Is Here for You
At Spectrum Empowered, we include elopement prevention goals in your child’s ABA therapy when needed. We use play-based therapy, real-world community practice, and parent training to support your family in meaningful ways.
Need help building a safety plan or teaching critical response skills like “stop” and “wait”? We’re here to support you, this summer and every season.
📞 Call us today at (281) 853-9788
🌐 Or request a complimentary BCBA consultation online HERE
📍 Serving families with BCBS, Aetna, Community Health Choice, and more – no waitlist for qualified plans
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