Similar to wandering behaviors in seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia, children with Autism are prone to wandering away from a safe environment. Unfortunately, many cases end in tragedy.
Southern Utah Autism Support Group is a volunteer LLC and organization partnering with the Washington County Sheriffs Department, St. George, Hurricane City, and Washington City Police Departments in providing and funding Project Lifesaver for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer's and Dementia.
Project Lifesaver provides radio transmitters or tracking devices for individuals who wander or elope. This project provides much relief to families giving them peace of mind knowing that their loved ones will always be found.
Watch the video below to see what Project Lifesaver is all about...
It costs $300 to provide one transmitter for an individual. This project runs strictly on Donations. Click below to Donate and to read stories from families in Southern Utah who have been in need of this project.
Thank you for your donation!
Southern Utah Autism Support Group is a volunteer LLC and organization partnering with the Washington County Sheriffs Department, St. George, Hurricane City, and Washington City Police Departments in providing and funding Project Lifesaver for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer's and Dementia.
Project Lifesaver provides radio transmitters or tracking devices for individuals who wander or elope. This project provides much relief to families giving them peace of mind knowing that their loved ones will always be found.
Watch the video below to see what Project Lifesaver is all about...
It costs $300 to provide one transmitter for an individual. This project runs strictly on Donations. Click below to Donate and to read stories from families in Southern Utah who have been in need of this project.
Thank you for your donation!
It’s estimated that one out every 68 individuals has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and according to a 2012 study in Pediatrics, 49% of children with ASD have a tendency to wander or bolt from safe settings. Individuals with ASD are often attracted to water, yet have little to no sense of danger. Drowning is a leading cause of death in children with ASD.
ASD wandering behaviors happen under every type of supervision and are usually a form of communication — an “I need,” “I want,” or “I don’t want.” Individuals with ASD will wander or bolt to get to something of interest, or away from something bothersome.
- Nearly half of children with autism engage in wandering behavior
- Increased risks are associated with autism severity
- More than one third of children with autism who wander/elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number
- Half of families report they have never received advice or guidance about elopement from a professional
- Accidental drowning accounts for approximately 90% of lethal outcomes
- Other dangers include dehydration; heat stroke; hypothermia; traffic injuries; falls; physical restraint; encounters with strangers
Do you have a child with Autism or Down Syndrome who elopes or wanders? If so, Please complete this short questionnaire. We will then get you in touch with an officer who will talk to you personally about the project. If your city does not currently offer Project Lifesaver, contact your local Police Chief or Sheriff at the numbers at the bottom of this page to let them know your family may be in need of this project.
THEY NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU TO KNOW OF THE NEED FOR THIS PROJECT IN THEIR LOCAL CITY!
THEY NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU TO KNOW OF THE NEED FOR THIS PROJECT IN THEIR LOCAL CITY!
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Washington City
Jim Keith - Chief of Police (435) 986-1515 jkeith@washingtoncity.org St. George Marlon Stratton - Chief of Police 435.627.4301 La Verkin Benjamin Lee - Chief of Police (435) 635-0427 ben.lee@laverkincity.org Cedar City Police Department (Ask for the Chief of Police) (435) 586-2956 |
Santa Clara/Ivins
Robert L. Flowers - Chief of Police 435-652-1122 Hurricane Lynn L. Excell - Chief of Police (435) 635-9663 policedept@cityofhurricane.com Springdale Chief Brecke - Chief of Police 435-772-3434 Washington County Sheriff's Department Sheriff Cory C. Pulsipher 435-656-6500 |
