An Evaluation of Parent Training for the Elopement of Children with Autism (Elopement)

2014

According to a recent survey, elopement (also called bolting or wandering) is a commonly occurring problem for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (Anderson et al. 2012). Approximately 50% of children with ASD between 4-10 years of age were reported to run away from their parents or caregiver, placing themselves in danger of harm (e.g., being hit by a car). Despite the clear need, the development of interventions for elopement has lagged behind the development of interventions for other types of problem behavior. For example, over 200 published studies have evaluated interventions to decrease repetitive behavior; however, only a handful of studies (all using single-subject designs with a small number of participants) have tested interventions for elopement. All of these studies have been conducted in experimental settings in which researchers can control the factors that influence the likelihood of success and none have shown that parents or caregivers can implement the intervention at home or in the community successfully for extended time periods. In response to this lack of research, we are proposing a pilot study following the format recommended by Leon et al. (2011). Specifically, we will examine the feasibility of parent training to reduce elopement. Although parent training as a general approach has been demonstrated to be effective, no published study has evaluated this approach to help parents reduce their childrens elopement at home or in community settings (e.g., community shopping trips). Initially, we will conduct focus groups to provide us with feedback on intervention materials and procedures. After we have revised the intervention, we will ask professional experts to provide feedback. We then will test the feasibility of the intervention with 3 children who elope and will make any necessary revisions to the materials and procedures. We then will conduct a pilot study with 30 children either randomly assigned to parent training (n=15) or a wait list control (n=15). After we complete our pilot work, we anticipate seeking additional funding for a full scale test of the intervention. We believe that the successful completion of the proposed pilot study will set the stage for the development of a manaulized treatment for elopement that will successfully address the parental concerns described in recent surveys.

Performing Research or Evaluation

Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas

Single-County

N/A