03/09/2026
Understanding Elopement in Autistic Individuals
Elopement refers to when an autistic person leaves or wanders away from a safe or supervised environment without appropriate permission or awareness of the danger involved. It is sometimes called wandering or bolting.
Why might an autistic person elope?
Elopement is usually a form of communication or an attempt to meet a need, rather than simply "misbehaviour."
Possible reasons include:
Seeking something enjoyable
They may be trying to reach a favourite place, person, toy, water, animals, or another preferred activity.
Escaping something uncomfortable
Noise, crowds, demands, conflict, unfamiliar environments, or sensory overload may cause the person to leave.
Sensory seeking
Some individuals may enjoy running, movement, open spaces, or the sensory experience of being outdoors.
Communication difficulties
A person who cannot easily communicate "I want to go outside" may communicate this by leaving.
Curiosity or exploration
The person may not understand the dangers associated with roads, water, heights, or unfamiliar people.
Difficulty understanding safety rules
Some autistic individuals may understand a rule in one situation but have difficulty applying it in another.
Changes in routine
Unexpected changes can create anxiety and may result in an attempt to return to a familiar place.
Why is elopement a serious concern?
Elopement can expose an individual to significant risks, including:
Traffic accidents
Drowning
Getting lost
Falls or injuries
Extreme weather conditions
Exploitation or abuse
Encountering unsafe people or environments
How can caregivers and professionals help?
1. Identify the trigger
Keep a simple record of what happened immediately before the person eloped, where they went, and what happened afterwards.
2. Teach functional communication
Teach alternatives such as:
"I want to go outside."
"I need a break."
"I want that."
Using pictures, gestures, signs, or an AAC device.
3. Teach safety skills
Practice responding to instructions such as "stop," "wait," "come back," and "hold my hand."
4. Make the environment safer
Consider appropriate door/window alarms, secure fencing, supervision, identification information, and safe outdoor areas.
5. Provide appropriate sensory and physical activities
If the person seeks movement, planned activities such as walking, swimming with appropriate supervision, dancing, or playground activities may help meet that need safely.
6. Develop an emergency plan
Families, schools and caregivers should know:
Common places the person may go
Favourite locations
How to communicate with the individual
Emergency contacts
Important safety information
Who should be contacted immediately if the person goes missing
Important principle
Do not focus only on stopping the elopement. Find out what the person is trying to communicate or achieve.
