Autism and Safety Awareness: Wandering and Drowning

For families raising children on the autism spectrum, safety isn’t just a priority — it’s a daily responsibility. Autistic children often face unique challenges in recognizing and responding to danger. Whether it involves traffic, unfamiliar environments, water, or wandering, these risks demand constant attention, planning, and a tailored approach to prevention.

Why Safety Matters in the Autism Community

Children with autism often experience the world differently from their neurotypical peers. This can include:

• Impaired danger awareness: Many autistic individuals may not perceive or respond to life-threatening hazards in the environment.

• Communication barriers: In emergencies, some children may be unable to speak, recall personal details, or effectively interact with rescuers.

• Heightened sensory sensitivity: Loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces can trigger meltdowns or flight responses.

  
  

These factors significantly increase the likelihood of accidental injuries or even fatalities if proper precautions aren’t in place.

Wandering and Drowning

One of the most dangerous behaviors associated with autism is wandering, also called elopement. This occurs when a child unexpectedly leaves a safe space — whether it's home, school, or therapy — without alerting an adult.

A landmark 2011 study published in Pediatrics examined over 800 families and revealed:

• 49% of autistic children aged 4–10 had wandered at some point — nearly four times more than their neurotypical siblings.

• Nearly 30% of children with autism aged 7–10 continued to elope.

• 32% of families had to contact the police due to wandering incidents.

• 1 in 3 children who wandered had a close call with drowning.

• 35% of these children were rarely or never able to communicate personal information like their name or address.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for autistic children.

Wandering often leads to environments where a child is at high risk. Among these, water is one of the most dangerous. Pools, lakes, and ponds are often the sites of fatal or near-fatal incidents, especially for autistic children who may be naturally drawn to water without understanding its risks.

The Drowning Risk: A Leading Cause of Death

In 2017, a study by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health found that children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their neurotypical peers. The study also noted that deaths among individuals with autism increased 700% over the previous 16 years, with injury being the leading cause of death.

Water is both soothing and stimulating, making it especially attractive to autistic individuals. However, that same appeal presents a lethal combination when a child is unaware of the dangers. Some children may walk straight into water, unaware of depth, current, or temperature. Others may panic once submerged, unable to call for help.

Even those who can swim are not immune. They may misjudge their abilities or become overwhelmed by sensory triggers like cold water or noise, causing disorientation.

Tips for Preventing Wandering and Drowning

While not all wandering can be stopped, families can reduce the risks by combining preventive strategies for both wandering and drowning. Here are key steps every caregiver should consider:

1. Secure Your Environment:

• Use child-proof locks or door alarms on exits and windows

• Install visual stop signs on doors to discourage bolting

• Set up motion detectors or consider wearable GPS devices for frequent wanderers

• Install fences with self-latching gates around pools

• Use door/window alarms and keep tubs and containers empty when not in use

2. Build Predictability and Safety into the Routine:

• Establish structured routines to reduce anxiety and triggers

• Use visual schedules to help children anticipate transitions

• Supervise closely in unfamiliar or overstimulating environments

3. Teach Core Safety Skills:

• Practice safety phrases like “stop,” “help,” and “my name is…”

• Use role-play to model responses to being lost or approached by strangers

• Teach how to identify and approach safe adults (e.g., police officers)

• Reinforce water safety concepts early with visual aids and social stories

4. Choose the Right Swim Lessons

• Enroll in programs designed for children with developmental differences

• Look for sensory-aware instruction and small class sizes

• Prioritize skills like safe entry/exit, floating, and boundary recognition

5. Develop a Family Safety Plan

• Keep emergency contacts up to date

• Prepare an Autism Elopement Alert Form and a Neighbor Alert Letter

• Share instructions with caregivers, schools, and therapists

• Keep a “go bag” ready with recent photos and key documents

6. Connect with Your Community

• Register your child with local first responders if possible

• Inform neighbors and nearby facilities of any safety concerns

• Share tools like Autism Speaks’ Pool Safety Guide with community partners

Final Thoughts on Autism and Water Safety

Keeping autistic children safe is not about limiting freedom — it’s about thoughtful preparation, education, and support. Understanding why children may wander, addressing their unique sensory experiences, and taking practical steps to prevent drowning can help families build safe, enriching environments.

Every child deserves the chance to explore, play, and grow without danger. With the right tools and a supportive community, we can help make that possible.