Winton Eliott
Elopement occurs when an individual leaves a safe or familiar place for an unfamiliar and unsafe area. It is a fear of every parent and caregiver, and this fear especially growing among parents with neurodiverse children.
In most cases, the person who elopes will be unharmed once returned to safety.
However, in some instances elopement can result in injury or death.
What is elopement behavior?
Elopement behavior refers to any act which results in the sudden and unplanned separation of an individual from a group. This can occur for a number of reasons, including fear, anxiety, or confusion.
Elopement behavior is often seen in children with autism spectrum disorder, who may become overwhelmed by sensory stimulation or social interaction and attempt to flee the situation.
In some cases, elopement behavior may be dangerous, leading to injury or even death.
For this reason, it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs of elopement behavior and take steps to prevent it from occurring.
Read also: What Is Maladaptive Behavior
Why does elopement occur?
Elopement can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Sensory overload or social anxiety.
Elopement occurs when the individual feels overwhelmed by their surroundings and feels the need to run away. This can happen in a crowded place, such as a shopping mall, or during a busy time, such as the holidays.
Elopement can also occur in response to a stressful event, such as an argument or a breakup.
Lack of understanding or communication skills.
Individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, may not understand the potential danger of leaving a safe environment.
They may also lack the communication skills necessary to express their discomfort and ask for help in managing their sensory needs or managing social interactions.
Seeking familiar surroundings or objects.
Elopement behavior can also occur when the individual is seeking out something familiar, such as a favorite toy or location. This can happen even in familiar environments, such as leaving a family gathering to go home.
Read also: What Causes Defensive Behavior
How can elopement behavior be prevented?
There are several steps that can be taken to prevent elopement behavior:
Creating a safe environment.
It is important to minimize potential triggers for elopement behavior, such as loud noises or overwhelming stimuli.
Creating a safe and comfortable space, with clear exits and boundaries, can also help prevent the individual from feeling the need to flee their surroundings.
In addition, it is important to have a plan in place in case of an emergency.
Developing a communication plan.
Developing a communication plan is an important step in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
There are many different communication options available, and it is important to choose the ones that will best meet the needs of the individual.
Picture cards and sign language are two popular options, but there are also many electronic devices that can be used to communicate.
Once the communication method or methods have been selected, it is important to teach the individual how to use them. This may include teaching them how to ask for help or request a break in an overwhelming situation.
Implementing safety plans and strategies.
It can be helpful to create an identification card or bracelet for the individual that includes emergency contact information and any important medical information.
It is also important to establish safety protocols, such as keeping doors locked or teaching the individual not to go outside without an adult.
In addition, it can be helpful to have a plan in place for if the individual does elope, including contacting local law enforcement and sharing information about the individual’s appearance and possible destinations.
Seeking support and education.
There are many resources available for parents and caregivers, including educational workshops, support groups, and online forums.
It can also be helpful to work with professionals, such as behavior therapists or special education teachers, to develop strategies for managing elopement behavior.
Preventing elopement behavior can be a challenging process, but with awareness and proactive steps, it is possible to keep the individual safe and supported in their environment.
Read also: What is Submissive Behavior
What to do when Elopement happens?
If the individual does elope, it is important to remain calm and take immediate steps to locate them.
This may involve contacting local law enforcement and sharing information about the individual’s appearance and possible destinations.
It can also be helpful to have a plan in place for if the individual does elope, including ways to track their location or communicate with them if possible.
It is important to remember that the individual may not understand the potential danger of their actions, and approaching them calmly can help de-escalate the situation.
Once they have been located, it is important to evaluate the situation and determine any steps that can be taken to prevent future instances of elopement behavior.
Read also: Why Do Some Adults Still Have an Infantile Personality
The takeaway
While elopement behavior can be problematic for businesses and individuals, it is also a potentially serious sign of underlying mental health issues.
If someone is exhibiting elopement behavior, it is important to take the time to assess their mental state and provide them with the support they need.
In some cases, this may mean connecting them with professional help.
Elopement behavior can be disruptive and cause safety concerns, but it is important to remember that the person exhibiting this behavior is likely in need of assistance.
By taking the time to address the issue, we can help to ensure that everyone gets the care and support they need.
