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We are answering a listener question today: a 4-year-old child who is receiving speech and OT services and the family is struggling “to prevent eloping in parking lots and helping him understand the dangers of moving vehicles.”
We talk about some different ideas including a sticker/reward chart, different ways to transition to the car, practicing “safe” and “not safe” scenarios, creating a social story, and MORE!
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Eloping: The Why and How For Kids Who Run Away
Transitions can be challenging for young children, especially those with sensory processing disorder (SPD) or autism. One of the most stressful concerns parents face is elopement, or a child's tendency to run off, particularly in unsafe areas like parking lots.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are proven strategies to help your child stay safe while making transitions smoother—and even fun!
Elopement often stems from a mix of sensory and developmental factors. Some children find the idea of running exciting, especially when adults chase after them.
Others might be overwhelmed by sensory stimuli or unaware of the dangers around them. Whatever the reason, addressing elopement requires a mix of safety measures, sensory tools, and patience.
Instead of walking to the car, why not hop like a frog or pretend to be an animal? Use playful prompts to engage your child and create a structured way to move safely.
Create a simple picture book with photos and phrases like, “When we leave the store, I hold mom’s hand and walk safely to the car.” Reading it together daily helps your child understand the routine and associate safe behavior with positive outcomes.
Set up a sticker chart or another reward system and celebrate every time your child follows the safety plan—like holding your hand or staying close. A small prize after several successes can reinforce positive behavior.
If your child responds well to sensory input, consider having them carry something heavy, like a weighted backpack or a sensory-friendly weighted toy. This can help calm their body and focus their energy.
If holding hands is a struggle, let your child hold an object like a small stuffed animal, fidget, or even the handle of your purse or stroller. This creates a connection without triggering resistance.
Play games like “Simon Says” or “Red Light, Green Light” to teach impulse control and listening skills. Practicing these at home builds the habit of stopping when told, which can translate to safer behavior outside.
Practice safe and unsafe behaviors using toys or during pretend play. For example, demonstrating why holding hands keeps everyone safe while running into a parking lot is “unexpected” and dangerous.
Park closer to the entrance to reduce the need to navigate a large, busy parking lot. Sometimes, you may qualify for handicapped parking permits to make this even safer.
To avoid unstructured moments, transition directly from an activity (like therapy) to the car with minimal downtime. For example, skip long debriefs in the waiting room and head straight to the car.
It’s okay to ask for help. Work with your child’s speech and occupational therapists to create customized strategies.
For instance, if your child is a Gestalt language processor, they may need tailored language models to understand and respond to safety instructions. Collaborating with professionals ensures your approach aligns with your child’s developmental needs.
Preventing elopement isn’t an overnight fix—it’s a journey of teaching, practicing, and reinforcing safety behaviors. Each small step forward is a victory, so celebrate the progress, no matter how small.
You are your child’s greatest advocate, and with the right tools and strategies, transitions can transform from moments of stress into opportunities for connection, learning, and even joy. Together, you and your child can navigate these challenges and build a safer, more confident future.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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