Topics > Elopement (Running Away)

Treatment Options

Behavioral therapy has proven itself as the most effective treatment option for elopement behavior or running away.  By analyzing what it is that causes and maintains the behavior, analysts are able to develop strategies that should reduce the likelihood of the child running away again.  Every parent should have a detailed plan of action of how to prevent, replace, and intervene should the behavior occur. 

Regardless, elopement behavior is serious and should be addressed immediately.  It can place a child in a life threatening situation in the blink of an eye.  Unfortunately, many parents do not address the situation until it is too late.  Consistent rewards for safe behavior (i.e. “Good job waiting to cross”) and consequences for unsafe behavior are critical to protecting your family.  Visual schedules and modeling the expected behavior will help the child understand what is expected of him/her.