Guest guest Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what " close " means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying " stay close " and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 My name is Sharon Proffitt and I have an almost 19-year old son with Autism who at his diagnosis at 4 years old, was a runner.....we think we invented the "no fear" logo before it became a "logo"! Contact me at Project Lifesaver International at , ext. 108 or email me at sproffitt@... Project Lifesaver is a non-profit 501 © (3) organization dedicated to returning home those with medical conditions that cause them to wander or "bolt". As for my son, I often ask him now WHY did he bolt every chance he got? He tells me he has no idea whatsoever, but that he does remember trying ever so hard to get out of the house, out of his classroom, etc. and just having the need to "run" and be free...... Thank you, Sharon Proffitt Comptroller-Project Lifesaver A mom to an almost 19-year old son with Autism Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 Hi ,We also have the elopement issue, what we did to keep him safe was put double-sided locks on all the doors. When the child is small you can just put the key somewhere high out of reach, or hide. An I.D bracelet is an excellent idea, also Project Lifesaver which Sharon mentioned. I remember when Noah was small and we went to Disney World, my friend embroidered t-shirts for him with his name and my cell phone right across the front. Thanks, Val, I still have one!To: sList Sent: Mon, March 14, 2011 11:02:08 AMSubject: Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 .....here is a strategy that we utilized with my son and it did yield positive results: two individuals are needed for this to work and you need to use whatever reinforcer is the most powerful for your son (for my son it was gummies). Begin by holding your son's hand like you're taking a walk and give him the reinforcer. The other individual should be in very close proximity to you and your son. Then have the other individual show your son that he/she is holding the reinforcer......let go of your son's hand and and he should walk over to the other individual (no more then 3 ft. away) who is holding the reinforcer. Lots of direct praise should be given for "walking slowly" from one individual to the other. We did this with my son for about fifteen minutes, over a few days and kept increasing the distance between the two individuals...again lots of positive direct praise and reinforcer. I'm not positive how long it took for the concept of "not running away" to actually sink in ( my son is seventeen now), I just know that it was the most successful strategy that worked for him. And my son was a big runner and we lived on a very busy street...believe it or not we actually practiced on the sidewalk! I really hope this helps you and your son in some way! Good luck and keep the faith! Lesli Runner My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 15, 2011 Report Share Posted March 15, 2011 Yes, that’s a good strategy. My son was also a runner and we live at the entrance/exit of a neighborhood with a hidden drive. I’d explored posting a sign for a while because I was so afraid. For us, we quickly learned that his run turned into an attention seeking behavior because of our reaction to the running. Of course, we chased him and yelled/screamed and grabbed, even spanked his butt the first few times, not knowing what to do. Then, we learned it had turned into attention so we had to do an approach that would cover all the bases. We held his hand while walking out to the car each time and everywhere we went with him. We praised nice walking right next to us (we still praise this). We stated the rules for walking to the car, in parking lots, etc. Because of where we live, we could not use extinction (ignoring the running) as an intervention. We had to just teach what we wanted from him and hold his hand every time. It was not an overnight success but it addressed what we wanted him to do instead of trying to punish what he was doing incorrectly. It was a lot of teaching. I learned that I could not be more than 3 feet from him at any time. He’s now 7 and these are no longer his issues but it did take a while. Hope this helps. From: Lesli Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 7:43 PM To: sList Subject: Re: Runner .....here is a strategy that we utilized with my son and it did yield positive results: two individuals are needed for this to work and you need to use whatever reinforcer is the most powerful for your son (for my son it was gummies). Begin by holding your son's hand like you're taking a walk and give him the reinforcer. The other individual should be in very close proximity to you and your son. Then have the other individual show your son that he/she is holding the reinforcer......let go of your son's hand and and he should walk over to the other individual (no more then 3 ft. away) who is holding the reinforcer. Lots of direct praise should be given for "walking slowly" from one individual to the other. We did this with my son for about fifteen minutes, over a few days and kept increasing the distance between the two individuals...again lots of positive direct praise and reinforcer. I'm not positive how long it took for the concept of "not running away" to actually sink in ( my son is seventeen now), I just know that it was the most successful strategy that worked for him. And my son was a big runner and we lived on a very busy street...believe it or not we actually practiced on the sidewalk! I really hope this helps you and your son in some way! Good luck and keep the faith! Lesli Runner My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time.Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 15, 2011 Report Share Posted March 15, 2011 Please tell me they grow out of this Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 15, 2011 Report Share Posted March 15, 2011 yes, most do grow out of it. In our case, we don't have runaway issues any more, haven't for many years, but now my son wants to roam the neighborhood and chat up the neighbors. Which worked out fine, until there were several aggressive incidents. To: sList Sent: Tue, March 15, 2011 11:15:57 AMSubject: Re: Re: Runner Please tell me they grow out of this Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 15, 2011 Report Share Posted March 15, 2011 I would not say they outgrow it....They have to be taught what the expectations are for how to walk out to the car. Does he bolt out of the door as you are on your way to the car? I guess I should’ve asked that first. Or, does he leave the house? Identifying the function is important...Trying to get to something or someone or trying to get away from something or someone. As I said in my earlier post, what started out as a playful run away turned into an attention seeking behavior because I reacted so strongly initially. I learned to be quick, stay close and keep a poker face. I had to not give his running any attention in order for any of the interventions I did to be successful. I also taped a STOP sign at his eye level on the front door and taught him how to request to go outside. From: Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 11:15 AM To: sList Subject: Re: Re: Runner Please tell me they grow out of this Re: Runner hello wendy,My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased?Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back.When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing.There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels.Steve Moyer>> > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time.> > Regards,> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 , The police in Broward and Palm beach County are trained and equipped to electronically track kids with SafetyNet bracelets. Miami Dade County will be able to track in a couple of weeks as wel throughout Miami Dade County Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. The website with info is www.safetynetbylojack.com. There is a downloadable tool called the neighbor form. You fill it out and give it to your neighbors so that in the event they see your child wandering, they will know to call you. I also have a colleague who is an ABA who has some recommendations on things like alarms and locks that other families have used proactively if you'd like. Hope this helps! Best regards, Kathy Kelleher Kkelleher@... 6179016955 VP SafetyNet > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 He bolts any opportunity he gets. I have to be on him like stink on poop. He will take off from anyone and everyone whenever he sees an opportunity. It is starting to get dangerous. Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 What's the function? What's the consequence? Sent from my iPhone He bolts any opportunity he gets. I have to be on him like stink on poop. He will take off from anyone and everyone whenever he sees an opportunity. It is starting to get dangerous. Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 I am not sure what you mean by function but the consequence is immediate time out where he has to count to 100. He hates that! if he tries it again then we start to take away things he loves like his iPad. This has not worked as of yet because he will continually bolt an y opportunity he gets. We are on high alert lock down mode at all times. Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Give yourself "peace of mind" by calling me at Project Lifesaver International. Let me check to see if we are in your area and I'll gladly provide contact information for you. Keep in mind that your child may wander or "bolt" from your home, a store, a restaurant, or school. You might not be able to figure out "why".......With Project Lifesaver assistance, our trained individuals have the ability and the tools necessary to find your child and bring him/her home quickly and safely. I speak from personal and professional experience as my son has been a Project Lifesaver Client since 1999 when the program was first developed right here in Chesapeake, VA. I've also been a member of this email listing since shortly after it began, looking to interact with other parents. Project Lifesaver is a non-profit 501 © (3) organization dedicated to helping families who have a loved one who has a medical condition that causes them to wander or bolt. We operate our program through public safety agencies such as Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Fire Departments, and Search and Rescue Units. Call me at , ext. 108 or email me at sproffitt@... Thank you! Sharon Proffitt Comptroller - Project Lifesaver International Mother to an almost 19-year old who has Autism I am not sure what you mean by function but the consequence is immediate time out where he has to count to 100. He hates that! if he tries it again then we start to take away things he loves like his iPad. This has not worked as of yet because he will continually bolt an y opportunity he gets. We are on high alert lock down mode at all times. Re: Runner hello wendy,My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased?Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back.When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing.There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels.Steve Moyer>> > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time.> > Regards,> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 If the punishment isn't working, then the function isn't being addressed. Function refers to what he's getting put of the behavior. It can be either to get something (attention, a tangible item, etc.) or to avoid/escape something (person, noise or other sensory issue or a task/demand). Assessing the function requires you to be as objective as possible when watching him engage in the behavior. He seems to get a lot of attention (which is the consequence).I don't believe I saw this but does it happen when you are going to the car or he just bolts out the door seemingly randomly?Does he communicate vocally, with sign or pictures? What does he want? To go outside? To go to the park? Start teaching him to request his wants and reinforce the requests immediately until he links the request with the desired outcome. Later, you can practice "no, not now" etc.I have more but am on my phone... Hard to convey all my thoughts. Put up a stop sign at the door at his eye level and when walking out to car, review rules before leaving and have the iPad or whatever as a reward for doing it right. Hope this helpsSent from my iPhone I am not sure what you mean by function but the consequence is immediate time out where he has to count to 100. He hates that! if he tries it again then we start to take away things he loves like his iPad. This has not worked as of yet because he will continually bolt an y opportunity he gets. We are on high alert lock down mode at all times. Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 The other thing I think of is trying not to tie something academic into a punishment. Maybe consider using a timer. Linking him counting may make counting an aversive in the future. Does that make sense? Sent from my iPhone I am not sure what you mean by function but the consequence is immediate time out where he has to count to 100. He hates that! if he tries it again then we start to take away things he loves like his iPad. This has not worked as of yet because he will continually bolt an y opportunity he gets. We are on high alert lock down mode at all times. Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Good info! I have tried for years now to figure out why he runs. It seems to be for different reasons. Most commonly it is because he wants to go somewhere, anywhere and fast. As a matter of fact sometimes he say's "I want that way fast" and then just takes off. I think he is just looking for a thrill and us chasing him is thrilling but we are surrounded by water as we live in the Keys, and I can not just let him run I have to chase after him which reinforces the behavior. I am always holding on to him so when he runs he has to break free from my grip which does happen from time to time. Mostly it happens when he is with my parents who do not have the vice grip that I have, and at school. The have a harness and leash for him but it really bothers my parents to walk the child on a leash. His teachers do not mind using the harness and leash but at some point we have got to fix this situation. Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Perfect sense. He loves counting but since we started making him count when he is in time out he doesn't want to count anymore. He has a fascination with street signs so when we tried the stop sign thing he just sat in front of it for hours trying to pry it off the door. We have just ordered a bunch of signs from amazon.com now. Thank goodness for amazon.com Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 I had the vice grip for a long time too! LOL. for us, it took practicing in all situations and all the time. The function for my son was initially to just get out and run but it quickly became attention seeking as I chased him and yelled etc... Can he request going out? Can that be reinforced? From: Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 12:46 PM To: sList Subject: Re: Re: Runner Good info! I have tried for years now to figure out why he runs. It seems to be for different reasons. Most commonly it is because he wants to go somewhere, anywhere and fast. As a matter of fact sometimes he say's "I want that way fast" and then just takes off. I think he is just looking for a thrill and us chasing him is thrilling but we are surrounded by water as we live in the Keys, and I can not just let him run I have to chase after him which reinforces the behavior. I am always holding on to him so when he runs he has to break free from my grip which does happen from time to time. Mostly it happens when he is with my parents who do not have the vice grip that I have, and at school. The have a harness and leash for him but it really bothers my parents to walk the child on a leash. His teachers do not mind using the harness and leash but at some point we have got to fix this situation. Re: Runner hello wendy,My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased?Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back.When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing.There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels.Steve Moyer>> > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time.> > Regards,> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2011 Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 Yes, he does request going out and we spend a great deal of our time outside, but I do not think it is about going outside because we are always outside. I think it is more about running free. He has this overwhelming urge to run. He runs through the house constantly, he runs outside, he runs every chance he gets. I think it is about the attention as well as he thinks it is funny to watch us chase after him. Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2011 Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 ,If your son is running to get your attention, it may be worth your while spending some time to teach him other ways to get your attention. Spend some time doing mini trials of come here in close proximity, and then lavishing him with attention. You may need another person to be there to prompt this, the key is to teach him that you will not be playing the "catch me" game he has become accustomed to. It is also important to focus on the positives, and not the running away behavior. Slowly widen the gap. I have a family who has 2 runners, but within less than a month, we have been able to teach them to stay with us (without being hand held), and to attend to when we stop, change direction, or provide a direction. Good LuckSent via BlackBerry by AT&TSender: sList Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2011 08:18:00 -0400To: <sList >ReplyTo: sList Subject: Re: Re: Runner Yes, he does request going out and we spend a great deal of our time outside, but I do not think it is about going outside because we are always outside. I think it is more about running free. He has this overwhelming urge to run. He runs through the house constantly, he runs outside, he runs every chance he gets. I think it is about the attention as well as he thinks it is funny to watch us chase after him. Re: Runner hello wendy,My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased?Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back.When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing.There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels.Steve Moyer>> > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time.> > Regards,> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2011 Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 How sweet life would be if we could do the same. I will incorporate these interventions and go from there. Keep your fingers crossed! Re: Runner hello wendy, My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased? Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back. When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing. There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels. Steve Moyer > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > Regards, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2011 Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 Put him on the track team. > > > > > > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > > > Regards, > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2011 Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 ,The key is consistency and trying to limit that attention he is so used to getting. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TSender: sList Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2011 10:47:00 -0400To: <sList >ReplyTo: sList Subject: Re: Re: Runner How sweet life would be if we could do the same. I will incorporate these interventions and go from there. Keep your fingers crossed! Re: Runner hello wendy,My son is a runner also. Technically called elopement, can you determine if he is running to something, away from something, or for the thrill of being chased?Regardless, there are some common appropriate actions and responses. Eliminate opportunity. Keep him close while out and define for him what "close" means. We defined it as close enough to touch and reinforced this by saying "stay close" and then gently touching his shoulder or back.When he does run when you catch him make no eye contact, say nothing and immediately return him to the task he was doing.There are other things you can do appropriate to whichever reason he runs. I would also recommend an ID braclet and letting the local police know about his behavior. Here in Broward they have a system where they can type my sons name into the computer in the police car and it brings up a picture, contact information and a brief description of his disability and verbal levels.Steve Moyer>> > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time.> > Regards,> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 20, 2011 Report Share Posted March 20, 2011 We tried to put him in soccer but the coaches were exhausted trying to chase him down as he did not feel it was important to stay on the field. He is only 41/2 but he has the speed of a high school running back. We can't catch him and as it turns out neither can the soccer coach. Re: Runner Put him on the track team. > > > > > > > > > > My four year old is a runner and we are really starting to struggle trying to catch him. He is getting big and fast. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions on trying to fix this? Thanks in advance for your time. > > > > Regards, > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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