DD(T21) got out of our yard.

[chrfath]

Scared the crap out of us. A guest must not have closed the latch on our fence all the way. DD is secure if the latches are all shut. She was out alone for about 5 minutes and was gone. I went out to check on her and bring her back in and noticed the latch was partially open. Called out DS1 to help look for her, we did a quick check inside, outside, and inside the van. I walked partway down our block calling for her and then called the police. DS1 went down the block to see if he could find her. I stayed here for the police and DS2 was napping.

There where officers driving all around our neighborhood and checked all inside the house just to be sure she wasn't hiding. That isn't something she does.

DH came home from work, he was praying to find her and she walked out from a neighbors backyard about 8 houses down from us. We are really careful to only walk away from the busy street when we take walks and we only cross at the corner.

Thank God she is home. Next step, get a lock for the fence gate, a medical alert bracelet for her(she is preverbal) with her name and a cell phone number, some social stories from the behaviorist and make sure the doors are all locked up high where she can't reach.

I am still pretty shook-up, she has never gotten out and been missing before. She is totally unphased by the whole thing. DS2 keeps asking "why she go for a scary walk?"

[BookGoddess]

That's scary, but I'm glad you found her safe and not too far from the home.

[elmh23]

[confustication]

How scary! I'm glad she was ok and returned home safe and sound.

[Kristine233]

Oh mama, what a nightmare! I'm glad she was found safe and sound, although I'm sure you wont calm down for another day. Big hugs!

[Lilypie32]

That is so scary. I'm so grateful she was found quickly and unharmed. We use Project Lifesaver for DS. Perhaps you should check into something like that or something similar.

[47chromosomes]

So scary!

This is my number one fear with our son. He just has no sense that he should stick around. He talks a fair bit, but would not yet be able to tell a person clearly his name or phone number. I think a medical bracelet is a really good idea.

[Jenna?]

That is so scary, my son ASD, 2 years old has gotten out twice. He didn't get very far either time but it is very scary. When my son was DX we got a 100 day kit and it talked about being prepared for this, make flyers now with her information and picture and have them ready to hand out and even give them to people who can pass them out in advance. Also let the police in your area know that she can wonder so if they see her they will know.

The times my son has gotten out has also been because guest have come by that don't know the safety procedures and don't follow them. It is so scary as a mom. If you already have ways she can't get out and they are not being followed you might want to put a sign at the gate so people know.

I am so glad that she is home safe and I hope it doesn't happen again... it is the scariest feeling.

[MySunflowerBoys]

So sorry you had such a scare!!! My DS2 also has Ds and we've had a couple of similar scares before we got our new fence. We live on a very busy road, too. The last one, we found that he had pulled open the lattice around our front porch & crawled under there. He was covered in dirt and just didn't say anything when we kept calling for him. Stinkers!

[Eyelet]

That is scary, I'm so sorry. My son (who has ASD) is a runner, and has even gone through window screens before to take off. He's never gotten very far, but not knowing where your child is for even a minute is heart stopping.

Originally Posted by Lilypie32

That is so scary. I'm so grateful she was found quickly and unharmed. We use Project Lifesaver for DS. Perhaps you should check into something like that or something similar.

We use Project Lifesaver too and love it.