Elopement Social Story: Staying With My Grown-Up (Free & Printable)

Elopement, or wandering, means a child leaves a safe place or a trusted adult without permission. It is common among autistic children and can be frightening for families and schools, especially near roads or water. Children usually run for a reason: to escape noise or demands, or to reach something they love.

This social story teaches the child to stay with their grown-up and gives them a safe alternative: asking for a break or a walk. Please use it as one small part of a wider safety plan, not as the only protection.

Want this story with your child’s name? Use the free personalizer below or open the full social story generator.

I Stay With My Grown-Up

My name is Theo. I go to many places, like school, the store and the park.
1
When I am out, I stay with my grown-up. My grown-up helps keep me safe.
2
Sometimes I want to run. It might be too loud, or I might see something I like.
3
Running away is not safe. There can be cars, and my grown-up might not be able to find me.
4
My grown-up feels very worried when they cannot see me.
5
When I want to run, I can stop and hold my grown-up’s hand.
6
I can say or show, “I need a break,” or “I want to go there.”
7
My grown-up can help me find a quiet place or walk there with me.
8
Staying with my grown-up keeps me safe. I am learning to do this.
9

Why this social story helps

Most elopement has a purpose. A story alone will not stop it, but it can give a child a different way to meet the same need: a break card to escape noise, or a request to visit something interesting. Adults should try to find out what the running is for, because that points to the best replacement.

How to use this social story

Print the story (two pages per sheet works well) or show it on a tablet.
Read it together once a day during a calm time, for at least a few days before the situation.
Read it again just before the situation happens, and keep a copy nearby as a reminder.
Swap the name and details for your child, or add real photos, so it matches their world.

What makes this a good social story

This story follows the social story approach described by Carol Gray. It is written from the child’s point of view, uses short and literal sentences, and spends most of its words describing the situation and how people feel. Only a few sentences gently suggest what to do, and they use “I can” instead of “I must”. The story names a difficult feeling as normal and ends on an encouraging note, so the child links the situation with calm and confidence rather than with being told off.

Tips for parents and teachers

Keep track of when and where running happens, and what came just before, to find the trigger.
Teach a simple “break” card or sign, and honor it every time at first so the child learns it works.
Practice stopping as a game (“red light, green light”) in a safe place.
Tell neighbors, school staff and caregivers about your safety plan.
For children who wander, talk with your care team about door alarms, ID bracelets and swimming lessons.

Questions to talk about after reading

Who keeps you safe when you are out?
Why is running away not safe?
What can you say or show when it is too loud?
What can you do when you see something you want?

Personalize this story

Add your child’s name and age and we will rewrite the story just for them. It’s free.