Absconding and Wandering Support Resources
What is Absconding and Wandering ?
A way of communicating needs or seeking safety
Absconding (leaving a safe area without permission) and wandering (moving away without a clear plan) are behaviours that can feel alarming for families and carers. While often seen as dangerous or defiant, these actions usually happen for a reason, to escape overwhelm, seek comfort, explore curiosity, or respond to unmet sensory or emotional needs. Understanding why someone absconds or wanders is the first step to supporting them safely. With calm, respectful strategies, we can reduce risk, address underlying triggers, and help individuals feel secure without needing to run or hide.
It looks different for everyone
No two people abscond or wander the same way. Some may quietly slip away when anxious or overstimulated, others may run impulsively toward something they enjoy. Some wander to avoid distress, while others are simply curious or exploring. Recognising these patterns helps us respond in ways that protect safety and dignity rather than using fear or punishment.
Support should focus on safety, not control
Restrictive approaches like locking doors or constant supervision don’t solve the reasons behind absconding or wandering. Real support makes environments safer, teaches navigation skills, and provides alternative ways to feel safe and explore independently. With understanding and proactive planning, families and carers can reduce risks while helping individuals build confidence and autonomy.
Championing People who Abscond or Wander
We work alongside children, adults, and support networks to understand why absconding or wandering happens and create strategies that keep everyone safe without taking away freedom and independence.
Building communication and self-advocacy
We provide ways for individuals to express discomfort, ask for breaks, or seek space without needing to abscond.
Creating safer environments
We adapt spaces at home, school, and in the community to make them calming, secure, and easier to navigate safely.
Strengthening supervision and response plans
We develop personalised safety plans with carers and schools to manage risks calmly and effectively without restraint.
Teaching safe exploration skills
We help individuals learn safe ways to explore their surroundings, including navigation tools and recognising boundaries.
Working with families, educators, and services
We collaborate with everyone involved to ensure consistent, non-judgemental approaches across environments.
How we can help with Absconding or Wandering?
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to understand why absconding or wandering occurs
Tools for improving supervision and safety without creating fear
Support for siblings and carers to respond calmly and effectively
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to evaluate safety risks and develop prevention strategies
Recommendations for environmental modifications and support services
NDIS planning for supervision aids and behavioural interventions
Skill-Building and Safety Education →
Coaching for navigation skills, safe boundary recognition, and self-advocacy
Structured teaching for requesting breaks or safe exits instead of absconding
Social stories and visual supports to reinforce safety rules
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans that identify triggers and reduce unsafe exits
Practical strategies to encourage safe exploration and independence
Training for schools and carers to respond consistently in high-risk settings
Psychology and Mental Health →
Therapy to address anxiety, sensory overload, or impulse control challenges
Support for building self-awareness and safer decision-making skills
Strength-based approaches to reduce risky behaviours over time
Regional Intensives →
Hands-on, in-home support for families in remote areas
Practical guidance for safe environments and emergency response planning
Collaboration with local schools and community services for consistent safety
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.