07/20/2026
Another heartbreaking reminder over the weekend of how quickly tragedy can happen. Our hearts are broken learning that a small child wandered away from home and drowned in a neighborhood lake. đź’™
Although it has not been reported that the child was autistic, for many families of children with autism, wandering (also called elopement) is a very real safety concern. Children who wander are at a significantly increased risk around bodies of water, making awareness and prevention especially important.
If you have a child who has ever wandered—or you worry they might—please take a few minutes to learn about the risks and practical ways to help keep them safe.
We recently wrote about autism and wandering behavior, including warning signs and safety strategies:
đź”— https://www.katychildpsychology.com/post/autism-and-wandering-behavior
Please consider sharing this information. If it helps even one family prevent a tragedy, it's worth it.
Did you know that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often drawn to bodies of water? Water can be a multi-sensory experience, which is why it is so pleasurable. Going underwater can create a peaceful quietness and escape from the overstimulating world above water. The way it looks and....