ASD child running away

I have been doing a research too about that because I am experiencing the same thing with my cousin whom I'm taking care of right now. I have read the same thing here (http://raisingchildren.net.au/children_with_autism/children_with_autism_landing.html) and they told me that the first thing I should do is to try to talk to the kid and make sure that he is in a buggy. Also, just make sure to capture his interest just like what Lozenge said above.

Wallaceand gromit said:

Can anybody help with this?. My 5 year old is like lightning and runs away (not intentional)  from us. He refuses to use a strap and we have lost him twice in theme parks now. This is very upsetting for us but also for his older brother 9 who refuses to go on a day out now and he thinks his brother is going to get lost again.

Is there any tagging device that we could get to relive our anxiety on our days out.

 

Thanks

I used to have to keep my twins with Autistic Spectrum Disorders in a buggy at that age (I bought a twin disability buggy) because of the running off. Now I only go out with support so that there is someone keeping on eye on one twin at a time. They don't run off so much as wander off now, and even into roads without looking, (or suddenley stop because they have seen something they want to look at and don't tell you they have stopped) so need constant watching but they have got too heavy for the twin version of the disabled buggy and would need to single ones (the single ones can take heavier children than the twin one can) or two wheelchairs. They are 11 now.

hello again,

not very clear above: 'they look' i meant the police or security...

L

hi there,

my son is also a bit of a runner - he's 13 now, and his running is quite predictable (perhaps it always has been, but i just know him better now)

i have name labels in most of his clothes with my mobile number on, as when kids get lost and are unable to communicate, that is where they look (neck line)

there are some behavioural strategies as well. eg (this is parent to parent advice, remember, i am no expert!) in a non threatening, non essential situation, you teach him how to come to you when you call him.  everytime he does, he gets some sort of reward (what ever works for you and him).  do it frequently, and completely randomly.

most importantly: observe him.  what is he tuned into, what captures his interest, when is he most likely to run? for my son it's trains/trucks when we're out.  away form dogs! in: lifts and escalators.

some say he's just got to hold your hand when you are out.  easier said than done! but perhaps really really emphasise to him how important it is for him to stay with you...

hope some of this is useful

L

Hi,

As this is an issue related specifically to parenting I'm just going to move it over to the Parent and Carer area, just to help people come across it if they are specifically interested in parenting issues.