Open petition: Mandate guidance on prioritising search areas with water for missing children

Created by Jade woollard
Closes on 13 April 2027

Mandate guidance on prioritising search areas with water for missing children. Water can pose a particular risk for autistic children. According to the National Autism Association, accidental drowning accounts for roughly 71% of all lethal wandering incidents among individuals with autism.

We believe the risk is too high to not do something about this.

Drowning is the number one cause of injury-related death for autistic children in the US. We believe the risk is too high to not do something about this.
Why the Risk is so High
Drawn to Water: Autistic children often find water soothing or fascinating, leading them to seek it out without realizing the danger.
Lack of Awareness: Many children lack the skills to recognize hazards, swim safely, or understand deep water.
Elopement Triggers: Sensory overload, anxiety, or curiosity can cause a child to bolt suddenly from safe areas.

Some families have lost their children as the risk is so high around water. This needs to be recognised in guidance.

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