AUTISM

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Being Lost​

• Wandering is common:

  Studies using parent surveys indicate that nearly half of children with ASD attempt to wander or elope. 

• Significant missing time:

  Of those who wander, over half go missing long enough to raise safety concerns. 

• Higher risk for certain groups:

  Children with ASD, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, have a higher reported rate of wandering and being lost. 

• Drowning is a major concern:

  Drowning deaths are a significant concern for children on the autism spectrum, highlighting the importance of water safety awareness and prevention measures. 

• Communication challenges:

  A significant percentage of families with wanderers report their child is unable to communicate their name, address, or phone number. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statistics
In the US, an estimated 1 in 31 children and 1 in 45 adults are diagnosed with autism. This translates to roughly 5.4 million adults with autism in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 36 children aged 8 years in the US has been diagnosed with ASD. 

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While there isn't a specific percentage for missing autistic children, studies show that nearly half of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) attempt to wander or "bolt" from supervised places. Of those who wander, over half (53%) go missing long enough to cause concern. This means a significant portion of autistic children are at risk of going missing. ​​

ALZHEIMERS

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Being Lost​

• Wandering:

  Wandering is a common behavior for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, often due to confusion and memory impairment. 

• Risk of Getting Lost:

  These individuals may lose track of their surroundings, have difficulty recognizing familiar places, or become disoriented, leading to them wandering off and becoming lost. 

• Consequences of Wandering:

  While most people with dementia who wander are found and returned home safely, there is a risk of injury, exposure to the elements, or even death. 

• Importance of Prevention and Search Strategies:

  Understanding the prevalence of wandering and the potential dangers it poses is crucial for developing effective preventative measures and search strategies for those who may become lost. 

• Safety Measures:

  Safety measures like placing familiar objects in the home, using GPS tracking devices, or providing caregivers with training on dementia and wandering can help to minimize the risk of wandering and ensure the safety of individuals with dementia. 

 

 

 

Statistics

According to the Alzheimer's Association, as of 2023, an estimated 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. This represents about 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older. 

The number of people with Alzheimer's is projected to increase to 13.8 million by 2060. This increase is due in part to the aging of the baby boomer generation and the lack of effective treatments or cures for the disease. 

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It is estimated that up to 60% of people with Alzheimer's disease may wander and become lost at least once during the course of their illness. Some individuals may wander multiple times. While most people with dementia are found and returned home safely, a small number suffer injury or death as a result of becoming lost. ​​

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