Stakeholder Perspectives on Elopement Mitigation Strategies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Publication Date
Spring 2026
College
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Department
Occupational Therapy, School of
Student Level
Graduate
Faculty Mentor
Missy Bryan
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
Elopement, defined as leaving a designated supervised area without permission, is a significant safety concern for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Research indicates that approximately 68% of caregivers of children with ASD report experiencing elopement behaviors. These behaviors can place children at risk for serious harm, including drowning or traffic injury. Although various strategies have been developed to mitigate elopement, such as locks, alarms, tracking devices, and behavioral interventions, evidence suggests that no single approach is universally effective. Additionally, limited research has examined how different stakeholders perceive and implement these mitigation strategies in real-world settings.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore stakeholder perspectives on elopement mitigation strategies for children with ASD or IDD. Stakeholders include individuals involved in decisions that influence the safety of children who elope, such as caregivers, teachers, equipment manufacturers, therapists, and emergency personnel. Understanding their experiences and perspectives may provide insight into current practices and opportunities to improve safety and support for children and their families.
Through virtual focus groups, stakeholders discussed experiences of elopement, the effectiveness of current prevention strategies, barriers to implementation, and ethical considerations. The focus group data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and perspectives. By analyzing stakeholder perspectives, this study aims to enhance understanding of current challenges related to elopement and inform future strategies that better support children with ASD or IDD and their families.
Recommended Citation
Bourne, Emily; Jones, Allison; Satcher, Amanda; Logan, Katherine; Delk, Olivia; Bryan, Missy; and Evans, Caroline, "Stakeholder Perspectives on Elopement Mitigation Strategies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 669.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/669
