Elopement, or Wandering, In People With Autism

by Adelle Tilton on February 15th, 2006

When a person has autism, it is very likely that person will wander off from home, school, or a group situation. That is known as elopement and unfortunately, it is a very common problem. It is very risky for people with autism who are unable to communicate, as they have no way to inform anyone of their address or even what their name is.

As children become teens, and teens become adults, more and more will be placed in group home living environments. There the problem of elopement is especially difficult for the team caring for the people with autism, and for the parents and family of the group home resident.

A viable solution to this problem is now available. It is already in place in several counties in Arkansas. The Benton Courier, a newspaper in the area reports on Project Lifesaver. This is a plan that could be affordably put in place in any county in the United States and it offers a real solution to a potentially life-threatening problem.

Project Lifesaver