Understanding Drowning Risk After Wandering or Elopement in Individuals with Autism

Wandering or elopement is a serious safety concern, especially when water is nearby. Drowning remains the leading cause of death following elopement in the autism community.

For children with autism:

• The risk of drowning is 160 times that of the general pediatricpopulation, according to a 2017 study from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health
• According to the National Autism Association (NAA), in 2024, 91% of U.S. wandering fatalities were caused by drowning, and on average, seven children with autism die per month after wandering or bolting away, primarily from drowning

Some individuals are at significantly higher risk than others. For those at highest risk, it’s crucial to immediatelysearch nearby bodies of water or pools nearest to that person’s last known location

Factors That Significantly Increase Risk

• Proximity to water: Accessible ponds, lakes, pools, or unconventional water types like drainage ditches, gravel pits, stock pools, horse troughs, etc.
• History of wandering or bolting: Even if wandering occurred only indoors, it increases the likelihood of exiting a safe environment
• Co-occurring conditions, including:
• Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD)
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Emotional Dysregulation
• Apraxia or Movement Disorders
• ADHD
• Anxiety, Depression, OCD, or Panic Disorder
• Epilepsy or Catatonia
• Sleep Challenges
• Specific Phobias, Triggers or Fixations

High-Risk Times for Wandering

Wandering/elopement is more likely to occur during:

• Transitions, such as changes in routine or location
• Vacations or travel
• Holidays and special occasions
• Parties or crowded events
• Outdoor activities
• Visits to unfamiliar places
• New or recent moves
• Times of stress, commotion, noise, demands
• Daytime co-napping
• Overnight hours

What You Can Do

• Be aware of the specific risk factors that apply to your situation
• Use a multi-layered approach, such as home security, hyper-vigilant supervision, safeguards like fencing & locative technology, swimming lessons, teaching safety skills
• Use Google Maps to identify water that’s nearest to your home or other settings
• Make others aware and share safety plans with caregivers, teachers, and neighbors
• Always call 911 immediately and search nearby water first

For prevention resources, visit NAA’s wandering page at https://nationalautismassociation.org/resources/wandering/

For response resources and helpful materials for first responders, visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/autism