All children are prone to injury and risks—keeping them safe is both the great fulfillment and the great challenge of parenthood. For children with developmental delays like autism, the risks and safety concerns can be much higher due to the unique ways these children see, experience, and interact with the world.

As a pediatric neurologist, I’ve seen firsthand the heightened risks that children with autism face, and, unfortunately, there is a significant gap in awareness when it comes to preventing tragedies for these children. Consider that 32 percent of parents of kids with autism report experiencing a “close call” drowning incident with their child.

These incidents are heartbreaking but preventable, and families deserve to have the tools and knowledge they need to avoid such tragedies. Hazards like wandering off, lack of understanding of the potential dangers associated with water or cars, and inattentiveness to risks are just a few of the instances where thorough awareness and preparation can be lifesaving.

Fortunately, our collective understanding of autism increases every year, giving us more opportunities to understand—and reduce—these risks. But change will only come if parents, caregivers, the healthcare community, and first responders alike work together to create safer, more supportive environments for children with developmental delay or autism.

Understanding the common safety challenges associated with autism can help caregivers, educators, and communities take proactive steps to ensure safety.

Wandering, or “elopement,” is when an individual leaves a safe........

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