May is Water Safety Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the most important—and often overlooked—safety concerns for children with autism: elopement and wandering near water.
For many families, safety is not just about supervision—it’s about understanding why a child may leave a safe space and how to proactively reduce risk.
What Is Elopement and Wandering — and Why Do They Matter?
Elopement and wandering are both safety concerns that can occur when a child leaves a safe, supervised area, but they can look very different in practice.
Elopement often refers to a child suddenly bolting, running, or quickly leaving an area without warning. These situations are typically more noticeable because the behavior is fast and urgent.
Wandering, on the other hand, can be more subtle. According to the National Autism Association, wandering/elopement involves leaving the safety of a caregiver or supervised area, but wandering may happen quietly or gradually without immediately drawing attention. Because it can be less noticeable, wandering is often the behavior involved when a child is able to access potentially dangerous areas such as pools, lakes, ponds, or streets.
These behaviors can happen at home, in the community, or at school and may be influenced by factors such as:
- Seeking a preferred location, especially water
- Escaping overwhelming environments or transitions
- Sensory interests or curiosity
- Difficulty communicating wants, needs, or discomfort
While every child is different, understanding the motivation behind these behaviors can help caregivers and providers develop proactive safety strategies and individualized supports.
The Connection Between Elopement and Water Safety
Water can be especially appealing to some children with autism—but it also presents serious risks.
According to research highlighted in BlueSprig clinical training materials:
- Drowning is one of the leading risks associated with elopement
- Many children who wander are drawn toward bodies of water
- Close calls involving water are reported in a significant number of elopement incidents
These realities make water safety an essential part of any prevention plan.
How ABA Therapy Helps Build Safety Skills
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy focuses on teaching meaningful, functional skills—including those that support safety and independence.
When addressing elopement, ABA therapy may target:
- Responding to safety instructions like “stop” or “come here”
- Staying within a designated area
- Walking safely with a caregiver
- Communicating needs, such as asking for a break or preferred item
- Tolerating transitions and changes in routine
These skills are not taught in isolation—they are practiced across real-life settings to help children generalize them in everyday situations.
Practical Water Safety Tips for Families
During Water Safety Month, here are a few ways families can reduce risk:
1. Create layers of supervision
Active, engaged supervision is critical—especially near pools, lakes, or beaches.
2. Build safety routines
Simple routines like holding hands, stopping at boundaries, and checking in regularly can make a big difference.
3. Use environmental supports
Tools such as door alarms, locks, and GPS trackers can provide additional protection when appropriate.
4. Consider swim lessons
Swim and water safety instruction can help build familiarity and confidence in and around water.
5. Have a plan
Every family should have an emergency plan in place, including what to do if a child leaves a safe area unexpectedly. Check out the National Autism Association and the Wandering Prevention Checklist for tools to make a safety plan.
Why Prevention Starts with Understanding
Elopement is not just a safety concern—it’s often a form of communication.
Children may be trying to:
- Avoid something overwhelming
- Access something they enjoy
- Express a need they cannot yet communicate
By identifying triggers and teaching replacement skills, families and clinicians can work together to reduce risk while supporting each child’s growth.
Supporting Safer Outcomes, Together
Water Safety Month is a reminder that small, proactive steps can have a meaningful impact. With the right supports in place—from skill-building to environmental strategies—families can feel more confident navigating everyday activities, including time around water.
At BlueSprig, we focus on helping children build the skills they need for greater independence, safety, and quality of life—both in therapy and in the real world.
Disclaimer: The equipment, resources, and related information described in this document are provided solely as suggestions for consideration and are based on information believed to be reliable at the time of preparation. BlueSprig makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the safety, legality, suitability, performance, or fitness for a particular purpose of any equipment or resources mentioned in this document. The selection, purchase, installation, maintenance, and use of any such equipment or resources is the sole responsibility of the user and/or purchaser, and BlueSprig is not responsible or liable for any resulting damages, injuries, or costs. Please use your own judgment and follow all relevant laws and safety instructions from the manufacturer.