Summer Safety for Wandering, Elopement & Water Awareness

As the weather gets warmer and families spend more time outdoors, summer can bring excitement, adventure, and new opportunities to explore. But for many autism families, it can also bring increased safety concerns surrounding wandering, elopement, and water safety.

At Sabella Fae’s Ausome Adventures, our mission is centered around helping families create safer days and nights leading to bright tomorrows with limitless possibilities. Summer is a wonderful season — but it is also one of the highest-risk times of year for wandering-related emergencies.

Many autistic individuals are naturally drawn to water, movement, lights, parks, playgrounds, and open spaces. Pools, lakes, beaches, splash pads, and even neighborhood ponds can become dangerous within seconds if a child wanders unnoticed. Combined with increased outdoor activity and travel during summer months, families often face heightened stress trying to balance fun with safety.

A few important summer safety reminders:

• Consider additional door alarms, locks, or alert systems during busy summer routines

• Practice water safety skills early and often

• Use wearable GPS or identification devices when possible

• Inform trusted neighbors, family members, and caregivers about wandering risks

• Create a summer safety plan before vacations, outings, or gatherings

• Never assume someone else is watching the child near water

Most importantly, remember that safety conversations should always come from a place of compassion — not fear or judgment. Every child deserves the opportunity to safely enjoy summer adventures while families feel supported and understood.

Together, we can continue building safer, more inclusive communities for autistic individuals and their loved ones.

Safe Today. Bright Tomorrows. Limitless Possibilities.