B3G: Responding to the Behavior of Children with Autism to Prevent Drowning

Abstract

Children with autism are at a dramatically increased risk for elopement and drowning. In Florida, this tendency is made much worse due to our landscape, which is rich with retention ponds, lakes, canals, pools, and spas. CARD centers have been making special efforts to address this ongoing tragedy. Much of this attention has been going to behavior analysts and pediatricians as critical care providers for young children with autism. This session will serve as a showcase for these efforts. We will examine some of the behaviors that can be taught to children, such as swim instruction and water safety in general. We will also look at some of the skills often taught by behavior analysts that should be prioritized to help keep these children safe from water risks. These include learning how to wait, learning how to not go into certain restricted areas, and how to follow simple one and two-step directives. We will also look at creating safer environments for children with autism, both at home and in the community. These include the use of electronic tracking bracelets such as Project Lifesaver International, the use of pool alarms, pool fences, door alarms, and other devices. We will also look at promotional and educational efforts aimed at behavior analysts, pediatricians, and others to promote safety for these children. While this session will be of special value to behavior analysts and medical personnel, we believe it will be of value to parents, teachers, and all people concerned about the safety and well-being of children with autism. Several CARD staff members will speak about their center’s efforts to promote autism water safety and elopement prevention. In addition, Katie Wentley, Water Safety Specialist for the Autism Society of America, will comment on their efforts on a national basis and highlight behaviors to be prioritized for ASD child safety.

Objectives

Analyze and prioritize behavior analytic interventions (e.g., teaching waiting, avoiding restricted areas, following directives) to reduce elopement and drowning risks in children with autism, based on individual risk assessments and environmental variables. Evaluate and integrate environmental safety modifications (e.g., electronic tracking systems, pool alarms, fencing) into comprehensive ABA intervention plans to enhance safety for children with autism across home and community settings. Design and implement collaborative, behavior-analytic strategies to train caregivers, pediatricians, and community stakeholders on water safety and elopement prevention, incorporating principles of effective training, generalization, and maintenance.