I have a 12 yr old son with autism that keeps running away. We need ideas on how to keep him safe. tried many

Question

I have a 12 yr old son with autism that keeps running away. We need ideas on how to keep him safe. tried many

Answer 1

Beyond a behavior modification plan - which i couldn't even beging to outline for you without knowing your child or your situation i'll make a few other suggestions that i hope will at least be a tiny bit helpful.

first of all, if you haven't done so, contact your local police and make them fully aware of the situation as well as any routine hiding places.  You may also want to contact some of you r neighbors so they can keep an eye peeled for him.  

You can get door alarms or even window alarms that will tell you when he has opened something he shouldn't  -giving you immediate warning should he decide to run.  You would not necessarily want to install a  lock release system on your windows and doors, due to fire safety reasons, but such items do exist and may be helpful depending on your exact situation and your child.  So it may or may not be worth looking into.

You can also look  into a wander alarm which is often used for people with alzheimers  (looks like a pager or a belt) to warn their care givers that they have left a certain area or have entered an unauthorized area.

Answer 2

are you working with the division of develomental disabilities-

I've heard of people getting funding for making safety modifications-

are you talking about running out of the house-than you could put locks in that need to be opened with a key-anbd all family members must keep a key with them at all times-where teh 12 year old can't get to it-

Outside-look for some unobtrusive way to connect to him-maybe he coudl wear a backpack-and you always hold on it-or connected by a belt-

some people are against 'leashes'  but until the behavior can be modified-it is an appropriate measure

will the school behavior specialist help with instituting a positive support behavior plan (he is rewarded for not runnign away)

there are GPS watches people can wear to help locate them

Answer 3

The other two answers are excellent, so let me add just one more thing.  In our county the sheriff's department has a free program for anyone with disabilities and older people who tend to wander.  They put a locator bracelet on the ankle of the person who tends to wander.  This helps them locate the person more easily.  They even come to the school or house to change the battery every month.  It's been extremely helpful locating one of my students with autism who used to run away several times each month.

If you're looking for behavior modification strategies your local CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disorders) chapter may be able to help.  They will also come into the house and work with you on visuals and behavior plans, and it's free.

Good luck!