Considering Fun Activities in Autism Therapy: Is a Game of Chase Safe?

Managing Elopement: Safety First for Clients with Autism

When working with clients, especially those on the autism spectrum, safety is paramount—a fact that every Board Certified Autism Technician (BCAT) knows like the back of their hand. But sometimes, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of engaging activities. So, here’s a thought: When working with a client who tends to elope—think of it as bolting away from a safe space—is it ever appropriate to arrange a game of chase?

Well, the short answer—just to clear the air—is no, it's not. But let’s unpack that and dig a little deeper into the why behind this important principle of safe practice.

Understanding Elopement

You ever seen a toddler make a break for it in a crowded museum? It’s kind of a heart-stopping scene, right? Elopement in the context of autism can look similar—like an instinctual sprint for something that has captured attention. This instinct is particularly pronounced in individuals who may not fully grasp the hazards of their environment. Think about it: running towards a busy street or a crowded store can lead to dangerous situations quicker than you can say “wait!”

That’s where the issue of safety begins to come into play. Elopement isn’t just about the behavior itself; it’s about the substantial risks that accompany it. For individuals with autism, who may have difficulty understanding their surroundings or potential dangers, elopement can escalate into genuinely threatening situations. So, introducing playing games that could encourage this behavior really doesn’t make sense when you consider all that risk.

Game of Chase? Maybe Not!

Now, let’s imagine for a moment that you're in a therapy session and you think, “Hey, what about a fun game of chase?” Sounds great for engagement, right? Sure, it might seem like a perfect way to incorporate play into your sessions, but let’s slow down for a second. Given a client’s history of elopement, arranging such a game could heighten the risk and inadvertently reinforce unsafe behavior.

It’s like saying, “Let’s go for a run!” to a child who has already shown they might not stop when told to. Not exactly sound judgment, huh? Instead of running wild, we want to encourage engagement that feels fulfilling and safe.

Structured Engagement is Key

So, what does that look like? When working with clients who have a predisposition for elopement, it’s crucial to focus on structured engagement. Think along the lines of activities that involve clear boundaries and expectations.

Let’s brainstorm a few strategies:

• Obstacle Courses: Create a safe space where the client can participate in movement activities—like crawling or balancing—without the risks associated with free movement in an open area. Plus, who doesn’t love a fun course where they can stretch their limits?

• Interactive Story Time: Reading a book together, especially one that features movement like “We're All Wonders” by R.J. Palacio, could gently incorporate movement while promoting a sense of calm and safety.

• Art Projects: Get creative! Allowing for messy play with paints or crafts can really channel the energy in a controlled manner.

These activities help in teaching self-control while ensuring speed and excitement stay in check—without crossing that slippery line leading to elopement.

Monitoring is a Must, but Not a Solution

Now, it might be tempting to think, “Okay, I’ll just keep a close watch—then it’s fine, right?” Well, here’s the thing: even with monitoring, the risks remain. The potential for unpredictability when a chase begins can spiral out of control. Instead of mitigating risks, it’s simply shifting them around.

Monitoring is critical in many therapy situations, but when it comes to certain behaviors like elopement, it's important to consider whether we’re really working to prevent a dangerous situation or just hoping for the best while crossing our fingers.

Prioritizing Safety in Interventions

In summary, the best approach when working with clients who may elope is to prioritize their well-being by creating safe, structured environments. The aim is to facilitate engagement while reducing risks associated with leaving safe spaces.

Think about how impactful a structured activity can be. Instead of running in circles—or, heaven forbid, on a busy street—you’re creating opportunities that feel empowering and fun without slipping into unsafe territory.

At the core, strategies that acknowledge a client’s behavior while focusing on safety enable us to build trust, enhance learning, and promote positive outcomes.

So, before you consider games that might encourage running or elopement, pause to reflect on the importance of safety. Remember, it’s all about creating an environment where clients can thrive without the impending threat of wandering off into uncertain territories.

Safety first should be more than just a motto—it’s a call to action for everyone involved in supporting individuals with autism. You know what? It might be a little less “fun” in the traditional sense, but the payoff is monumental when a client is confident and safe in their surroundings. That’s the real win.