If your child wanders away, CALL 911. Don’t delay.
Why call 911 BEFORE anything else? The police have resources they can mobilize to find a critically missing person faster than you can alone. The longer a person is gone, the wider the search area becomes. Seconds make a difference in safely finding a missing loved one and bringing them home! Please spread the message.
Download Flyers:
This is a public service announcement brought to you by the Maryland Autism Coalition: Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake, Autism Society of Maryland, Brown on the Spectrum, Charles County Autism & Developmental Disabilities Parent Support Group, Erin’s Star, Ethan Saylor Alliance, Howard County Police Department, Howard County Police Department, Hussman Institute for Autism, Lower Shore Autism Community, Maryland Department of Disabilities, Montgomery County Police – autism/IDD, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Outreach Unit, Pathfinders for Autism, People on the Go of Maryland, The Arc Maryland, The Parents’ Place of Maryland, xMinds-Partnership for Extraordinary Minds. The Autism Society of Maryland is proud to be a part of the Maryland Autism Coalition, working alongside police and other advocacy organizations to address the needs of children and adults with Autism in Maryland.
Maryland Autism Coalition Water Safety PSA
71% of deaths related to wandering are caused by drowning
That’s right – 71%
That’s why it is absolutely critical to teach your child to swim, doggy paddle, or float.
In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, the Maryland Autism Coalition released two critical PSAs on the dangers of wandering and elopement, and the high risk of drowning.
The PSAs feature Brittany Bledsoe whose son Ace drown in July of 2024.
The PSA is aimed at parents, educators, child care providers, and pediatricians who may not otherwise know of the high rate of drowning correlated with wandering and elopement.
- 49% of children with autism wander or elope (bolt from an area)
- 71% of deaths related to wandering are due to drowning
- 160x greater likelihood of drowning death for children with autism as compared to the general pediatric population
There are many reasons why autistic children may unexpectedly wander or run away from a safe space. They may simply be curious or following something that interests them or feels good to them. Or they could be trying to escape a perceived unsafe space, or a noisy or crowded environment. They may be impulsive and run in order to avoid something uncomfortable.
To prevent injury or death, members of the coalition are offering free resources as well as water safety courses, swim lessons, trainings for swim instructors, and door locks and chimes.
PRESS RELEASE – April 2, 2025
The Maryland Autism Coalition is a coalition of nearly 20 nonprofit organizations and state agencies dedicated to supporting autistic individuals. Brought together to raise awareness of issues affecting this community, coalition members collaborate on a number of campaigns including: World Autism Day, drowning prevention, and wandering and elopement prevention and response.
Wandering/Elopement
Wandering is a critical safety concern for many individuals and families in the Autism community. Because of the potentially dangerous outcomes, accidents, injuries or drowning, wandering can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience for both the individual and their family.
Those who wander are at increased risk of accidents, injuries, or drowning. Approximately 91% of deaths in children with Autism under 14 are caused by accidental drownings subsequent to wandering.
Stress and anxiety about the potential for wandering can impact daily life and functioning. Not only is constant vigilance, worry or fear emotionally exhausting, it can interfere with a family’s ability or desire to engage in community activities or outings, contributing to social isolation.
Whether you are the parent of a child who has eloped, a family member, educator, provider or part of the greater community, we feel it is imperative know what to do to help prevent wandering or to prevent a tragic outcomes when someone wanders. .
Below are links to resources that you may find helpful.
AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA
The Maryland Autism Coalition is a coalition of nearly 20 nonprofit organizations and state agencies dedicated to supporting autistic individuals. Brought together to raise awareness of issues affecting this community, coalition members collaborate on a number of campaigns including drowning prevention, and wandering and elopement prevention and response.
Wandering Resource Sheet – An overview of wandering with prevention tips
Living Safely on the Spectrum: An Introduction to Wandering and Prevention Strategies – Introduce family, caregivers, school staff, neighbors, and others to your child or loved one’s risk for wandering
Wandering Letter – Track wandering occurrences to identify triggers (situations, activities, environments, etc.) and make note of common destinations or favorite places
Wandering History – Form to track wandering occurrences, triggers and destinations
IEP Considerations – Tips for how to address wandering in the school setting through IEP accommodations and/or modifications
Emergency Identification Sheet – Provide first responders with detailed information about your child or loved one. File this form with your local emergency service agencies and keep an up-to-date form on file
Safety on the Spectrum: Water and Wandering Program (Web Page) – Learn about the Autism Society of America’s Safety on the Spectrum Water and Wandering Program and download tip sheets, visual supports and social stories in English and Spanish
PATHFINDERS FOR AUTISM
Safety Kits (Web Page) – Compilation of tip sheets, forms, prevention strategies and checklists for wandering as well as links to other safety information
Webinar: When They Wander or Run Away
PFA Tips: When They Wander or Run Away (Web Page) – An overview of wandering with prevention tips
Wandering and Elopement at School (Web Page) – Tools and strategies for partnering with the school to prevent or respond to wandering
Water Safety
91% of deaths in children with Autism under 14 are caused by accidental drownings subsequent to wandering.
Many Autistic children and adults are drawn to water. Learning how to stay afloat, swim and safety rules around water can help prevent tragic consequences. Educating families and caregivers, aquatics and recreational staff, and the general public about the risks of wandering and water, and equipping them with water safety techniques can save lives. Download and review these safety checklists and social stories with your child or loved one. Find a swim lesson program that works with individuals with Autism and other disabilities.
Interested in training for your local pool, aquatics or recreation staff? Contact us at 410-290-3466 or email info@autismsocietymd.org
PLEASE NOTE – due to a tremendous response we have closed the application process at this time.
*updated October 2025
NEW FOR 2025!
Eric’s Law
Maryland residents now have the option to add a butterfly symbol to their driver’s license or identification card to show a hidden (developmental or intellectual) disability. Hidden disabilities may not be immediately noticeable, but they can affect communication, mobility, and/or behavior.
- The butterfly symbol helps first responders and law enforcement understand a person’s needs during an interaction.
- The symbol is voluntary
- You can add or remove the butterfly symbol at any time through your myMVA account or at an MVA branch kiosk. If this is the only change you are making, the updated license or ID card is free. However, if you are renewing, updating other information, or making additional changes, standard fees will apply. There is never an extra charge to include the butterfly as part of those transactions.
- If a parent or guardian added the butterfly symbol to your license while you were a minor, you may choose to have it removed when you turn 18. The MVA will not ask you to explain or show proof of your hidden disability and your diagnosis will not be used for any MVA imposed restriction.
- To add or remove the symbol please visit myMVA Online Services.
- For a handout on the Hidden Disability (Butterfly) Symbol, download the Butterfly Symbol Postcard here.
Here is the video the MVA produced to explain Eric’s Law – MVA video –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpJ7D_ZXWaQ
Here is the MVA page that describes both services as well as instructions for how to order the butterfly symbol and the card.
https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/Persons-With-Disabilities.aspx
The Blue Card (developmental disabilities disclosure card)
The Developmental Disability Disclosure (Blue) Card is designed to help people with developmental disabilities communicate with law enforcement officers.
- The card is the size of a driver’s license and blue for easy recognition.
- It includes a message to law enforcement officers on how best to interact with the customer.
- There is space for a person to provide details on their developmental disability.
- Please note, the MVA will NOT ask customers to explain or show proof of their disability in order to obtain this card.
- MVA provides this card upon request to customers, parent/guardians, and organizations for distribution.
- If you would like to pick up a Voluntary Developmental Disability Disclosure (Blue) Card, please visit the information desk at any of our 24 branches statewide during normal operational hours.
- If you are an organization who would like to request a pack of cards to distribute, please submit your request in the Blue Card Order Form.
Registries, 911 Flagging Programs & Alert Systems
Several police departments in Maryland offer ways in which persons with disabilities, dementia or mental health challenges and their families/caregivers can connect with law enforcement in advance of an emergency.
