Children with disabilities (including autism
spectrum disorders (ASD), Down syndrome, ADHD and anxiety) wander for a
number of reasons, including seeking out a special place or item,
escaping from undesirable situations or because they have become
disoriented or lost (read more).
Children of even the most watchful parents can slip away quickly when they are motivated wanderers. According to a study by Pediatrics Magazine,
parents and caregivers of wanderers regularly sacrifice family
outings, meals and even sleep to keep their children safe, yet 49% of
study participants had a child who had wandered at least once in the
past four years.
with constant vigilance, motivated wanderers can find a way to get out.
When that happens, an educated community is that child's best chance of
returning home safely.
Donate a Kit
Connecting for Kids has been able to make a limited number of free wandering safety kits available to our families with the help of a generous donation. To help us reach more families with these kits, please consider donating $20 or more today.
Stop and ask the child if he or she needs help.
Seek assistance from local law enforcement.
Stay with the child until police arrive.
NOTE: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also offers a Stop, Seek, Stay video, available for sharing through YouTube.
The following resources are also available to first responders:
Note: While wandering behaviors occur across numerous diagnoses, the majority of information published to date focuses on autism-related wandering. Despite the fact that many of the resources here are from autism organizations, the principles can be applied to a variety of different diagnoses.