Autism and Wandering Reach Epidemic Proportions

April 10, 2011 - PRLog -- The numbers just keep climbing.  I remember several years ago, many of us working with individuals with developmental disabilities were shocked to learn that autism affected 1 in ever 265 births…up from 1 in 500!  We were absolutely astounded.  Today, that number has climbed to 1 in 110 or 100, depending on your statistical source; and the rate is now 1 in 70 for male births.  The numbers are of epidemic proportions, and a statistically mind-numbing percentage of these individuals wander or bolt from safe places.

Beyond the obvious, what does that mean?  It means we are facing a new generation of social issues affecting more people than ever before.  It means these children continue aging and will soon “age-out” of the public school systems.  And then what?  Parade recently published a thorough discussion.  
http://www.parade.com/health/autism/featured/autisms-lost-generation.html

Research is being conducted by The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) to shed light on and gain a greater understanding of wandering, bolting or elopement.  No matter what you call it, the results can be tragic.  When we first began training autism service animals, we knew what an amazing difference the animals could make socially and emotionally for those with autism spectrum disorders.  We also knew that some individuals on the spectrum had a tendency to wander, and the animals needed to be trained to stop it.

According to a recent survey conducted by Animals for Autism, 100% of the respondents worried to some degree about the safety of their children and/or loved ones due to a flight risk.  The  Mason Allen Medlam Foundation puts the figure at 92%.  Either number you choose makes the point:  Wandering is a crucial issue that impacts nearly everyone in the autism community.  So what can we do to stop it?  Proposed ideas include everything from ridiculous suggestions like locking “them” up to more reasonable ideas such as building fences, attaching GPS devices to those with ASDs and issuing nationwide alerts similar to the Amber Alert.

As I investigated further I found case after case of wandering resulting in death - most of those by drowning, but some by being struck by vehicles, another by a train.  Some of them may have even been abducted, and the more fortunate ones were returned home safely.  The cases include individuals of all ages, from all walks of life, all across this country and in others.  In some cases, neighbors and strangers alike recall seeing the individuals but did nothing to intervene, and the real reason why they chose not to is because ASDs are non-apparent disabilities.

It is not possible to simply look at someone who has an ASD and know they have a disability.  Parents of children on the spectrum repeatedly share stories with me about how they are frequently given unsolicited “parenting advice” in grocery stores, given “the look” in movie theaters and heard people comment about what they would do “if that were their child!”  It’s happened to this author, so I know it happens - far too often.  That all changes when you bring an autism service animal into the picture.

Autism service animals are just that.  They are not “therapy” dogs, they are highly-trained service animals that can provide countless benefits, one of which is giving visibility to a formerly non-apparent disability.  Things change socially for those with ASDs when they are accompanied by their service animals.  People are friendlier, more likely to strike up a conversation with the individual and provide rich opportunities for social connections.   This relaxed perception by the public results in a more relaxed experience for the person struggling for social acceptance, thereby reducing anxiety and having a positive impact on their behavior in social situations.

Additionally, Autism Service Animals halt wandering by remaining in place and alerting a parent, teacher or other caregiver that the person is attempting to bolt.  The animals can be trained to retrieve items for those who also have limited range of motion or other physical disabilities.  They can provide stability to gait and better balance for their handlers.  Many of those with ASDs are socially isolated, which can lead to depression and other emotional problems.  The presence of a service animal provides companionship, and can increase self-esteem.  Stability through the implementation of a routine for animal care provides comfort and structure, and it helps teach respect and responsibility.  Autism service animals can also improve communications skills for those on the spectrum.  The list of benefits is incredible.

While service animals are not an appropriate addition to the professional treatment program of every person with an ASD, the great majority can benefit and take steps toward independence and recovery when a service animal is properly implemented into their treatment program.  I believe other suggested interventions like GPS, containment by fencing and public alerts are all excellent steps in the right direction, but when a life is on the line, I would much rather have an autism service animal alert me before my child or loved one bolted into harm’s way, rather than waiting for an electronic device to hone in on his or her current location, and respond after the fact.

The major difficulty for so many families, however, is the prohibitive cost of acquiring an autism service animal for their child or adult family member.  Other methods are less expensive, thus more attractive; less effective, but more affordable.  Animals for Autism is making a nation-wide effort to make the dream of  owning an autism service animal a reality for more families than ever before by offering highly-trained autism service animals at greatly reduced rates.  Additionally, in recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Animals for Autism will be placing, FREE of charge, an autism service animal with a child or an adult who has and ASD and is in need.  Additional details and application packets are available at http://www.siberiansnowbabies.com/animals_for_autism

Concern also abounds in the autism community about finding meaningful careers and life experiences for those entering young adulthood.  Animals for Autism is addressing that issue by providing young adults with ASDs the opportunity to work under the supervision of master trainers in preparation for careers as animal trainers, groomers, veterinary assistants and other associated animal related industries.

Anyone considering an autism service animal is encouraged to visit our website at http://www.siberiansnowbabies.com/animals_for_autism.  Specific questions are welcome via email at this address: autismserviceanimals@yahoo.com

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About Animals for Autism: We provide training and placement of Autism Service Animals with both adults and children with autism spectrum disorders in the United States at affordable prices, allowing more families than ever to have peace of mind about the safety of their children and loved ones.