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Elopement (Running Away)

• Does your child take off when in the mall or grocery store? 
• Do they bolt into the middle of street when you turn your head? 
• Do they sneak out the front door or window while you are in the other room? 

If so, your child engages in “elopement behavior” or more commonly known as “running away.” 

Elopement is by far one of the most dangerous and, unfortunately, one of the most common problematic behaviors.  For those caring for an individual with a developmental disability such as Autism, elopement can be a daily occurrence.  Parents who struggle with an eloping child become prisoners of their own home.  They are forced to bolt down windows and doors to keep their child safe.  Just getting to school in the morning can be a nightmare , for many children elope from their car seat while driving. The earlier you address elopement behavior the better.