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What Is The Best Way To Prevent Elopemnt

Updated on Monday, August 07, 2006 |
By Jim Boucher
The best way to tackle elopement behavior (aka “running away) is to prevent it from happening in the first place.  Instead of focusing on intervening once the child has already bolted across the parking lot, try focusing on an interval of time when the behavior is not occurring. 

Our Expert Tip:

If your child always elopes 10 minutes into grocery shopping, set a watch timer for 8 minutes.  Reinforce the child with an edible, toy, and/or praise for “standing by mom” at the 8 minute mark prior to the behavior occurring.  Continue to do this and with success increase the length of the interval.  Over time, your child will display the more appropriate “other” behavior for a longer period of time.  Remember, these suggestions are for education purposes only.  If your child engages in elopement behavior, it is highly recommended that you seek professional assistance. 

Filed under: Elopement
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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Elopement (Running Away), Social Skills Problems

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