Child With Autism Missing Goes: How Many Autistic Children Go Missing?, Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Children with autism are at a higher risk of wandering and going missing. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly half of all children with autism will run away and potentially go missing at least once before their 17th birthday.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) reports that between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020, there were 1,516 children on the autism spectrum who were reported missing to NCMEC. These children were involved in 1,986 different missing incidents. The age of missing children ranged from 1 to 20 years old.
The study also found that of those who run away, many will be found dead. Drowning deaths are a major concern for children on the autism spectrum. It is critical to understand the risks and take preventive measures to ensure the safety of children with autism.
Prevalence of Autism-Related Elopement
Children with autism are at a higher risk of wandering or elopement, which is defined as leaving an area without permission and placing oneself in a potentially dangerous situation. According to a study conducted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020, 1,516 children on the autism spectrum were reported missing to NCMEC, and these children were involved in 1,986 different missing incidents [1].
Statistics on Missing Autistic Children
Nearly half of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) attempt to wander or bolt from a safe, supervised place, according to a parent survey conducted by researchers [2]. The same survey found that 91 percent of parents reported that their child with ASD had wandered at some point in their life, and 49 percent of parents reported that their child had attempted to elope at least once after age 4 years. Of those who went missing, 24 percent were in danger of drowning, and 65 percent were in danger of traffic injury [3].
Risk Factors for Wandering
Autism severity is a risk factor associated with elopement risk, with increasing elopement risk for every 10-point increase in Social Responsiveness Scale T score [1]. Other risk factors include age, gender, and cognitive and communication abilities. Children who are nonverbal or have limited communication skills are at higher risk of wandering [2].
It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the risk of elopement and take necessary precautions to prevent it. This may include using GPS tracking devices, securing doors and windows, and teaching children safety skills.
Strategies for Prevention and Response
Parents and caregivers of autistic children can take several preventative measures to reduce the risk of their child going missing. The following are some of the recommended measures:
Preventative Measures
- Secure the home: Install locks on doors and windows that cannot be easily opened by the child. Consider using alarms or other monitoring systems to alert you if the child leaves the house.
- Teach safety skills: Teach the child basic safety skills such as not talking to strangers, staying in safe areas, and how to ask for help.
- Use tracking devices: Consider using tracking devices that can help locate the child if they go missing. These devices can be worn as watches or attached to clothing or shoes.
Search and Rescue Protocols
If a child with autism goes missing, it is important to act quickly and efficiently. The following are some search and rescue protocols that can be used:
- Notify law enforcement: Contact the local police department immediately and provide them with a recent photo of the child, as well as any other relevant information.
- Use search and rescue dogs: Search and rescue dogs can be trained to locate missing children. They can track the child’s scent and lead search teams to their location.
- Utilize technology: Drones, helicopters, and other technology can be used to search for missing children.
Community Awareness and Support
Community awareness and support can play a crucial role in preventing and responding to missing children with autism. The following are some ways that communities can support families:
- Educate the community: Educate the community about autism and the risk of wandering. Provide information on how to recognize and respond to a missing child with autism.
- Create a support network: Create a support network for families of children with autism. This can include support groups, online forums, and other resources.
- Volunteer: Volunteer to help search for missing children with autism. Many organizations rely on volunteers to help with search and rescue efforts.
By implementing these preventative measures, search and rescue protocols, and community awareness and support, families of children with autism can reduce the risk of their child going missing and increase the chances of a safe return if they do.
Also Read :
- Alexis Tomacruz Paris Found Or Still Missing? Case Details
- Karlie Guse Found Or Still Missing? Case Details And Update
- Is Phenix Wilkerson Found Or Still Missing? Case Details And Bio
- Is Sean Farrelly Missing? Arrest And Charge
- Is Olivia Lynch Missing? Brooklyn Teacher Video Goes Viral Amid Obituary News
