Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 29, 2025

Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice
07:38

Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice

Published on: September 20, 2024

1.6K

Wandering behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities

Cassandra T-Pederson1, Hailey Reisert1, Andrew Adesman1,2

  • 1Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, New Hyde Park.

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|July 6, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Wandering, or elopement, affects one in four children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) annually. This review offers caregivers and pediatricians strategies to manage this common safety concern.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 25% of children annually, with wandering behavior being a significant concern.
  • Caregivers often lack adequate information and strategies to manage elopement in children with ASD.
  • Limited research exists on the prevalence, patterns, and interventions for wandering in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize existing research on elopement frequency and patterns in children with ASD.
  • To identify and present effective intervention strategies for managing wandering behavior.
  • To equip pediatricians and childcare professionals with knowledge to support families affected by ASD-related elopement.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of studies on elopement in children with ASD.
  • Analysis of research identifying risk factors and frequency of wandering.
  • Synthesis of intervention strategies reported in the literature.

Main Results:

  • Wandering behavior, or elopement, is a frequent occurrence in children with ASD, impacting approximately one in four annually.
  • Recent research has begun to identify specific patterns and risk factors associated with elopement.
  • Various intervention strategies exist, though awareness and dissemination to caregivers are limited.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatricians play a crucial role in counseling families about elopement risks and interventions.
  • Increased caregiver awareness of wandering behaviors in ASD can improve child safety and well-being.
  • Further research is needed to comprehensively address elopement in children with ASD.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism09:03

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism

Published on: March 27, 2012

46.0K
A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research08:42

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research

Published on: July 31, 2017

8.4K

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
502
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
200
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
244
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
202
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
474
Operant Conditioning Intervention01:24

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
220