What to do when someone goes missing: a practical step-by-step guide

According to the National Autism Association, accidental drowning accounted for approximately 90% of the total reported (U.S.) deaths in children with ASD ages 14 and younger. Some further alarming statistics include that drowning accounts for 46% of all injury deaths among children with autism, translating to 160 times the chance of dying from drowning compared to other children.

However, not all instances of wandering have a sad ending. In August 2024, we saw a terrifying moment where a 5-year-old autistic boy was pulled from a pond in Florida after escaping through a door on the second floor of the family home, triggering an alarm. Thankfully in this instance, the boy was found in time, clinging to a log in the water, and is ok now. This tells us that when danger is present, we need to act fast.

If you’re a parent or carer of someone at risk of wandering, or absconding there are simple tools you can use to better prepare yourself.

When wandering or absconding is a possibility, there are a number of safety considerations that need to be implemented. These could include:

• increased supervision, especially around dangers such as roads and open bodies of water
• an alarm system set up on doors and windows, as well as a ring style camera
• teaching basic water survival skills, like floating, to your child.
• we would also recommend looking out for CPR and water rescue courses in your local area or through your local Surf Club

You can find these tips, plus a range of strategies and resources to mitigate the risk of wandering and drowning for individuals on the Autism Spectrum, in our world first Wandering and Drowning Prevention Toolkit.

1. Don’t panic! 
2. Don’t panic! This is so important that it has to be stated a second time. 
3. Listen to and follow the advice of local emergency services. 
4. Share on social media and with your local network, eg. local community groups. 
5. Check enclosed spaces such as stairwells and garages. In March 2024, a young man with autism and down syndrome went missing in Sydney. Whilst a widespread search operation was launched, the man was later found in a medical stairwell “relatively close” to where he was last sighted, 50 hours after going missing. 
6. Take the person’s favorite snacks (if known) and water supplies when checking public places. 
7. Check around open bodies of water, such as backyard swimming pools, ponds, lakes and rivers. In 2021, three-year old Anthony ‘AJ’ Elfalack, who is autistic and non-verbal, was found sitting in a puddle, drinking water from a creek bed about half a kilometre from his home. 
8. Especially important if they are neurodivergent: be aware they may not answer to their name – instead, try to incorporate a special interest e.g. sing the theme tune of a fave tv show 
9. Report anything out of the ordinary quickly to the relevant authorities. 

This blog was authored by Julian Annison. Julian Annison is a dynamic and agile young professional, with over four years experience in the disability sector. Julian is autistic and a passionate advocate for equality and the idea that diversity is our strength, not our challenge.