Safety on the Spectrum: Wandering and Water Program

To address the critical issue of preventable water and wandering related deaths in the Autism community, the Autism Society of Maryland and the Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake will partner to prevent drowning through skill-building and community connections. With a strong attraction to water, many Autistic individuals navigate towards water when they wander. This initiative focuses on proactive programming, prevention, and improved responses to wandering incidents. Using a train-the-trainer model, the Autism Society will train program partners including regional swim schools, aquatic programs, and public and private swim centers in Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, and Montgomery Counties in Maryland, on evidence-based practices for teaching individuals with Autism how to swim. Community awareness and education will support individuals, families, and community leaders through community safety events. The Autism Society will disseminate kits that include safety checklists, visual instructions, social narratives in both English and Spanish.