A Study of the Elopement Prevention and Safety Training Program

A large number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a current or past
history of elopement. For parents of a child with ASD, having their child go missing is
potentially dangerous and far more likely compared to typically developing children. This
behavior interferes with household routines, engenders vigilance, and restricts the family's
participation in their community. Such restrictions contribute to the family's isolation and
hinders development of community supports. Elopement can result in injuries and deaths of
children with ASD.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Males and females, ages 4 to 12 inclusive

2. Diagnosis of ASD as determined by clinical interview and supported by standardized
measures (i.e., Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, Vineland, Stanford-Binet V)

3. Engages in elopement in the form of bolting or wandering, as determined by structured
interview

4. A caregiver who expresses a willingness to participate in treatment and complete
baseline/outcome assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unmanaged psychopathology or problem behavior other than elopement that warrants
immediate clinical care, determined by clinical interview and Aberrant Behavior
Checklist (ABC)

2. Child and family currently in therapy that is likely to be redundant with the
treatment program or interfere with proposed treatment

3. Presence of both of the types of elopement under investigation (i.e., both bolting
and wandering).