IAN Study Confirms Wandering a Major Challenge for families of Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Wandering presents a significant challenge and risk for Children with an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

50% of children with an ASD wander at some point, 8Xs more than their unaffected brothers and sisters.

Nearly half of the respondents said a child had been missing long enough to cause significant safety concerns, with 32 percent calling the police.

Two out of three reported their wandering child had a “close call” with a traffic injury, while almost a third said their child had a “close call” with drowning.

Parents feel worried and stressed by wandering

50% report wandering to be among the most stressful ASD behavior, ahead of self-injury, rigidity, aggression, and meltdowns.

62% said fear of their child eloping stopped them from attending or enjoying activities outside the home, increasing their social isolation

40% of these already exhausted parents said they lost sleep while worrying about a potential “escape” during the night.