Why Are Autistic Children at a Higher Risk of Drowning?

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Drowning is the leading cause of death for autistic children, according to a study from Columbia University, and people with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers, according to the Autism Society of America.

Beckie Geddie, Director of Marketing at the Autism Society of America, explained to Newsweek that, "Autistic people are at higher risk of drowning due to the high incidence of wandering."

Roughly 50 percent of people with autism will wander of have wandered, according to a study from the Kennedy Krieger Institute.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes wandering or elopement as "when someone leaves a safe area or a responsible caregiver." Wandering affects individuals who have disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or an intellectual disability (ID). In a study from Autism Speaks, the charity explains that "wandering by children with autism is common, dangerous and puts tremendous stress on families."

Geddie explained to Newsweek that, "When a person with Autism has wandered, they may be in a heightened state of arousal, altering their ability to determine what is safe or unsafe." Geddie added that, "This means that the individual could unknowingly put themselves in a dangerous situation, especially when wandering towards water."

Tonya Haynes, a professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in the College of Nursing, told Newsweek that, "Autism is a developmental disability that tends to result in brain differences."

“Because of those differences in brain functioning and brain development, sensory processing, children and individuals with autism tend to process things differently."

Haynes, who is also the Champion of Change for Autism Speaks, added that, "There may not be that heightened awareness of danger and understanding of safety, for example, and appreciation of the variation in water depth."

Are There Specific Behaviors or Conditions That Contribute to This Increased Risk?
"A diagnosis in itself, of autism, is a risk factor." Haynes told Newsweek. "If the child has a certain interest, if a child is in an environment where there is something of interest that puts the child at increased risk for elopement or wandering, especially near bodies of water or swimming pools," Haynes said.

Rising temperatures cause a rise in risk factors for autistic children.

There is an uptick in wandering tragedies during summer months," Francesca Cascardo of Autism Speaks told Newsweek. "As the weather warms up there is a natural increase in availability of recreational bodies of water like pools or trips to the beach."

Geddie and Haynes both told Newsweek that water can be calming to children with autism. This fact is also emphasized in the report from Columbia University, which quotes Dr Guoha Li as stating, "With impaired communication and social skills, autistic kids tend to seek relief of their heightened anxiety from the serenity of water bodies. Unfortunately, this behavior too often leads to tragedies."

What Preventative Measures Can Be Taken?
Preventive measures outlined to Newsweek by Geddie and Haynes include:

Use layers of protection: pool fences, enclosures, door alarms or signals on water sources.

Persons can wear bracelets or pins that identify their condition.

Utilize a water watcher or go in areas where lifeguards are on duty.

GPS technology can be used for at risk persons.

Use a lifejacket, especially if the person is not competent in water.

Geddie added that people should be able to swim or at least be water competent. She added that the public should also learn CPR.

Geddie noted that risks extend beyond bodies of water, and told Newsweek that, "Additional risks include events with a lot of people, high traffic areas, wooded areas, canals, easily opened or climbable fence[s], retention ponds and more."