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wandering
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12 WAYS TO PREVENT, AND RESPOND TO, ASD WANDERING
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1) UNDERSTAND WANDERING PATTERNS AND ELIMINATE TRIGGERS
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Ask yourself what type of wandering best describes your child/adult (goal-directed, non goal-directed, random, sudden runner, etc.)
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Acknowledge what triggers may make your child/adult wander off or leave quickly.
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Implement strategies at home to avoid known triggers. Work on calming methods to help your child/adult cope with the triggers and provide other ways to handle the trigger besides running, etc.
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Address known triggers within your child’s IEP, and advocate for de-escalation (calming) techniques.
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Understand if your child/adult has a goal (Are they trying to get to water? Train tracks? Nearby merry-go-round?)
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Address known goals; allow supplemental objects within safe environment; allow child to explore obsessions under safe supervision in safe environment (for example, if your child’s goal is to get to water, offer a set time for water play each day in your home under close adult supervision).
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Understand if your child/adult is trying to get away from something (Is there too much noise? Is there too much commotion? Is there boredom?) so that it may be addressed.
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Understand if your child/adult tends to wander during the night, CLICK HERE for tips on how to avoid nighttime wandering.
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Obtain relevant social stories and go through them with your child.
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Document fascinations and share with first-responders, school, relatives, and friends; communicate with your child and all of those involved with your child’s daily activities.
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