A Mother’s Story of Elopement, and How She’s Helping Other Families Prevent It

Wandering, also known as elopement, is when a child — or a vulnerable individual — leaves the safety of a responsible person’s care and/or a safe environment. They might run away from the grocery store, leave their school classroom or escape from their family home alone.

Autistic children and young people are often more vulnerable

Though any child may elope, it’s common among kids with autism. According to the Kennedy Krieger Institute, A study “found that nearly half of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are reported to wander or ‘bolt,’ and more than half of these children go missing.” When children elope, they can end up in dangerous situations, like being near bodies of water, trying to cross busy roads and highways or locking themselves in hot cars.

In just the month of April 2025, five autistic children died after wandering in the U.S., an autistic teenager was killed after being shot by police and a vulnerable, young autistic man went missing in Washington state. These stories are both heartbreaking and a call to action to communities to better support their autistic citizens.

Why do children/individuals elope?

The National Autism Association states, “Wandering/elopement is typically a form of communication, often occurring to get to something of interest or away from something bothersome, usually noise, commotion, fears/phobias, and demands.” So, children with sensory processing differences will elope when they feel overwhelmed by the sensory input, like loud noises, in the environment. Because they may also lack impulse control, they’re particularly vulnerable to wandering. And when a child feels anxious or stressed, they’re also more likely to elope.

However, it can be difficult for parents of autistic kids to prevent elopement. As a parent of neurodiverse children, I am all too aware of the dangers and the difficulty of stopping a young child from wandering off.

My family’s experience with elopement

In the summer of 2024, our then 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter got out of our house through a locked door. Her father and I had implemented as many precautions as possible. Our home had a security system, we kept doors closed and locked, and she was being watched by me (her mother) and a close family friend, while she and her children were over for dinner.

As I was cooking and she was checking on her kids in another room, our two-year-old figured out how to push a locked door, in just the right way, to get outside. I will never forget the gut-wrenching feeling when I went to check on her, and she wasn’t there.

As I called 911, I ran outside to look for my child. I was giving her description, while they dispatched emergency services. Suddenly, my friend ran around the side of the house, carrying my daughter, covered in dirt and water. She was in our back shed, playing in a small toy wagon that had collected rainwater. As I dropped to my knees —  sobbing and holding my child — I remember thinking, what would we have done if she had left our yard?

An unconventional idea to protect children who elope

Clearly, we needed more help. In our town, I’d seen a street with a road sign that read, “Autistic Child Area.” I began researching why these signs are used, the pros and cons, and then finally, how my family could get one.  

Addie Davis with her daughter and what they call "Maggie's sign."

Here are some ways these signs benefit families

1. Signs serve as a visual reminder for motorists to exercise caution and be mindful of potential risks associated with autistic children. Autistic children may have difficulty interpreting social cues, experience sensory sensitivities and act in unpredictable ways.
2. By installing these signs in residential areas, communities can proactively enhance safety for autistic children. Signs encourage safe driving practices and security practices by neighbors, like securing a fence or gate surrounding a pool when not in use.
3. Signs can foster a sense of community support and inclusion for families with autistic children, demonstrating that the community is aware of and cares about their needs and safety.
4. One of the most important benefits is that a sign is a tool that transcends verbal language. The signs inform first responders and others that they may need to adjust their approach and communication style to better suit the needs of an autistic individual in emergency situations. This can help de-escalate tense situations and foster a safer environment for everyone involved.

There are other ways to prevent elopement

Along with a security system and keeping doors and windows closed and locked, there are other ways to prevent children from eloping. Fraser Sensory Supports and Training Manager Gina Brady wrote a blog, “8 Safety Strategies for Kids with Autism and Disabilities.”

One thing to consider is taking note of your child’s elopement triggers. Gina suggests you pay attention to what is happening in a child’s environment before they wander. Ask your child if there is something they find particularly overwhelming in your home. Then, work with your child to modify that environment, or offer sensory regulation tools that work for them. If your child just loves to run, plan regular outings to the gym, visit a nearby school’s track, or create an obstacle course in your backyard.

"Promoting safety awareness in children with autism and disabilities is essential,” says Gina. “It empowers them to navigate their environment confidently while minimizing risks, thereby enhancing overall quality of life for the whole family."

How can I get more support?

If you think getting a sign might be a good fit for your family, the biggest obstacle you’ll encounter is navigating the rules where you live. There aren’t many clear answers online, as the steps to obtain a sign vary not only from state to state, but sometimes county to county and even city to city.

When trying to figure out how to get a sign in our neighborhood, I kept coming up with no answers. None of the amazing clinicians or educators who work with our daughter knew how to start the process. I found a starting point in an unlikely place: a Reddit thread for parents of autistic kids. From there, my family was able to work with our local Public Works Department to get a sign installed in our neighborhood.

My experience of getting support from other parents inspired me to seek work where I can support other families and advocate for the autistic children and adults. I recently started as a Fraser Certified Family Peer Specialist. A certified family peer support specialist uses their lived experience of raising a child who has received mental health services to support other families.

There are so many resources out there — so many, in fact, that it can be overwhelming. As a Certified Family Peer Specialist, I’m determined to help every family find what works for them and overcome obstacles that may be preventing them from accessing support.

Certified family peer specialists have experienced feelings of powerlessness, pain, isolation, and anger, so we can help other caregivers navigate those feelings. We’re here to provide families with hope and resiliency and help other families find their “sign,” whether that be an actual street sign or another form of support. For more information, email me at addie.davis@fraser.org.