Autism organization finds that many children with the condition wander off

The Interactive Autism Network recently found that nearly 50 percent of children with autism wander or went missing long enough to cause concern about safety.

Officials distributed a survey about wandering and elopement to 800 parents of children with autism and found that more than 33 percent of children who elope are unable to communicate their name, address or phone number verbally, in writing or typing.

Nearly 66 percent of parents reported their missing children had a close call with a traffic injury, while just under 33 percent reported a close call with a possible drowning.

The study revealed that approximately 54 percent of autistic children who eloped did so because they enjoy exploring. Meanwhile, 36 percent indicated they were heading for their favorite place and 27 percent said they wander because they want to escape sensory discomfort.

Parents of autistic individuals who frequently wander and put themselves in danger may want to explore the services of schools for troubled children. The programs contained in these learning institutions provide may help improve behavior.