Protecting Our Children: Preventing Elopement in Non-Verbal Kids

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We recently witnessed a heartbreaking tragedy in Texas, where an 8-year-old boy with autism wandered off from his home and drowned in a nearby pond. This devastating loss is a painful reminder of the dangers that elopement poses to our children. According to research, nearly half (49%) of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have attempted to wander off at least once after the age of four. Tragically, drowning is the leading cause of death for these children, accounting for 91% of all U.S. deaths reported in children with ASD ages 14 and younger who had wandered off between 2009 and 2011.

It is crucial to safeguard your child if they are at risk of elopement. By taking proactive steps, we can help prevent them from wandering off or ensure they are quickly found if they do.

Here are a few things that can help:

1. ID Bracelets and Tags

ID bracelets and tags are a simple, low-tech solution that can be a lifesaver in an emergency. These can include your child’s name, your contact information, and any critical medical details.

2. Hidden Holder Tags for AirTags

Attaching hidden holders for AirTags to your child’s clothing or shoes can be a simple yet effective way to monitor their movement. These tags allow you to track their location discreetly and in real-time.

  • AirTag Holders for Shoes:Speck Tagimals AirTag Accessory   This holder is specifically designed to attach an AirTag securely to your child’s shoes, ensuring it stays in place during any activity.

  • AirTag Insoles: Airtag Holder Inserts These innovative insoles are designed to discreetly hold an AirTag, providing an added layer of security for your child.

  • AirTag Holder for Kids: Waterproof and Durable AirTag Holder: This waterproof and durable AirTag holder is perfect for securely attaching an AirTag discreetly to your child's clothing, ensuring reliable tracking in all conditions.

3. Alarms on Doors and Gates

Installing alarms on doors and gates that activate whenever your child attempts to leave the house or yard can provide an immediate alert, allowing you to act quickly.

  • Door and Window Alarms: VOXON Apartment Security Sensors - This system alerts you if a door or window is opened unexpectedly, giving you peace of mind, especially at night.

4. GPS Tracking Devices

GPS tracking devices are one of the most reliable ways to keep tabs on your child’s location in real-time.



Teaching Strategies to Help Your Child Understand the Dangers of Elopement

In addition to using these devices, it is vital to teach your non-verbal child about the dangers of wandering off. While this can be challenging, here are a few strategies that might help:

  • Visual Social Stories: Use social stories with pictures to explain the dangers of wandering off and what your child should do if they feel the urge to leave a safe area. Visuals can help them understand the concept of danger and the importance of staying close.

  • Role-Playing Scenarios: Engage in role-playing exercises where you simulate situations where your child might be tempted to wander. Practice staying safe and asking for help, using communication devices or cues they are familiar with.

  • Routine Reinforcement: Incorporate regular practice into your child’s routine. Repetition is key—go over the safety rules daily, so they become ingrained. Use simple, clear language and consistent visual cues to reinforce the lessons.

  • Safe Zones and Boundaries: Teach your child about "safe zones" within the home and outside, where they should stay. Use physical markers, like colorful tape or cones, to define these boundaries visually.

The Importance of Investing in Safety

These low-tech and high-tech devices, coupled with effective teaching strategies, can be lifesavers. Investing in one or two could be the key to preventing a devastating situation. While some devices are more affordable than others, they all offer valuable protection and peace of mind for families.

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of the products mentioned. Our recommendations are based solely on the importance of keeping our children safe and preventing tragedies like the one we recently saw.

By taking these steps, we can help protect our children and ensure they stay safe, even in moments when they might wander off. Let’s do everything we can to prevent another heartbreaking loss.

Stay Tuned: In our next blog post, we'll dive deeper into teaching strategies specifically designed to help non-verbal autistic children understand the dangers of elopement. We know that one size does not fit all, and this will be our focus—finding the best approaches to keep your child safe.



Bright Wishes,
AuBright Team

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