Safety

Hello.  I'm Number.  I have an idea.

You need to try and work out what he wants to run to, or run away from.

Is he just wanting to run away from you two?

Is he wanting to run somewhere (anywhere) that is quieter?

Is he trying to run somewhere dark?

Is he trying to keep away from other people?

Does he want to be in private so he can cry or shake without people seeing him?

Is he just trying to get your attention - saying "I'll show you how scared I am by running away?"

These are difficult questions to answer - but like I say, I have an idea.......

Have you got someone who can run as fast as him who he knows and trusts?

Could you go out with the fast person so that when you son runs, the person can keep up with him and let him go where he wants to (but also keeps him SAFE from cars and dangers)  If you let your son run where he wants to go, you might be able to work out what he ACTUALLY NEEDS when you just see him running off.

It would be important that the person running DOES NOT CHASE him, but just keeps up with him and lets him go where he wants to go and reassures him when they are running together.  Only try this (if you want to) when you are all somewhere SAFE !!!!

If hope this is helpful to you maybe.

Good luck.

Hello NAS75657,

I'm sorry to hear that your son can sometimes run off. You may find the following pages useful which include strategies and advice to support your son with his communication and behaviour:

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/strategies-and-interventions

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication/understanding-and-developing-communication

I hope this helps,

ChloeMod

It's possible to get children's backpacks which have a safety rein attached.