Member-only story
Autism and elopement
Autism Spectrum Disorder,ASD, has 3 different levels. Now, there is a wide umbrella of what also falls under ASD. Level 1 is high functioning. They are more independent and can do things on their own with little to help from others. Level 2 they need more help with day to day things but can be independent. Level 3 Severe autism which they need help with day to day activities and have very little independentice. I have a child who is Level 1 and a child who is Level 3.
Elopement is wandering or escaping from a place. Which elopement is very common among the autistic community. Now, I am not someone who knows everything about elopement or autism. I don’t have ASD myself. I just know what it is like raising 2 kids with it. I have researched and read things to have knowledge on it. I can’t speak for anyone who has ASD or other parents. No 2 people with autism are the same. I just know what it is like for me being the parent.
My youngest son likes to elope. He also has no sense of danger either. We have had to take measures to make our home safe. Our front door has the doorknob lock, deadbolt, a chain lock, AND a lock that has a padlock. Now we have to keep the door locked down because he has gotten out of the house before. It is scary. After putting all the locks on the door, things calmed down after a while of him trying to escape. I was up front with the school when we were putting…
