Can Sensory Processing Differences in Autism Lead to Elopement?

PostedDecember 16, 2025

UpdatedDecember 16, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Sensory differences in autism and elopement are often closely linked, as sensory sensitivities can influence the likelihood of wandering or running away, known as elopement. For many individuals with autism, wandering behaviour is a response to overwhelming stimuli or a way to escape a stressful or overstimulating environment. Understanding how sensory processing issues contribute to this behaviour is crucial for reducing the safety risk and preventing incidents of elopement.

Elopement can be a significant safety concern, especially when the individual has difficulty understanding or responding to environmental cues. Sensory differences, such as heightened sensitivity to sound, touch, or even emotional discomfort, can trigger a desire to leave a situation, making it important for caregivers to recognise potential triggers and implement preventive strategies.

How Sensory Processing Differences Contribute to Elopement

Here is how sensory differences in autism and elopement can be linked:

Overwhelming sensory environments

Many autistic individuals experience sensory overload in crowded or noisy places, leading them to seek relief by fleeing. For instance, the sound of alarms, bright lights, or the general noise of a shopping mall may drive them to run away to escape the discomfort.

Difficulty with communication

For those with limited verbal communication, wandering behaviour may be a nonverbal way of expressing distress or anxiety caused by sensory overload. When they can’t communicate their discomfort, elopement may feel like the only option.

Lack of awareness of danger

While some individuals may actively seek to escape, others may not fully recognise the safety risks of wandering, such as crossing a busy street or entering unsafe areas. This makes supervision needs essential.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for strategies on reducing wandering behaviour and mitigating safety risks.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Sensory Processing Differences.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.