The Child Mind Institute, a national nonprofit, providing education and resources on children’s mental health and learning challenges, describes this behavior as wandering, elopement or bolting, and it’s common for children on the Autism spectrum. Make sure your child's teachers, family and other caregivers understand the risk and how important it is to keep your child engaged and busy to reduce their urge and opportunity to wander. The National Autism Association offers guides for caregivers, as well as teachers and first responders, to educate them about the issue, the steps to take to prevent wandering and what to do if your child does get away.