SynthesisFrontiers in pediatrics2026
Prevalence and risk factors of elopement behavior in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Frontiers in pediatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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7 authors.
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Abstract
Objective: Wandering and elopement are common and potentially life-threatening behaviors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite extensive research, debates persist regarding the chronic nature of these behaviors, their relationship with cognitive and linguistic functions, and the primary risk factors. This study aims to quantitatively assess the incidence of elopement in this population and systematically evaluate associated risk factors. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to gather observational studies on the incidence and risk factors of elopement in individuals with ASD (≤18 years old) from the inception of the databases to August 2026. Data were pooled using random or fixed-effect models, and subgroup analyses were performed. This study is registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261456297). Results: Fourteen observational studies were included. Meta-analysis revealed that the pooled incidence of elopement among children with ASD was 46% (95% CI: 36%-56%). Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference between recent (43%) and lifetime incidence (51%) ( Conclusion: Elopement is a prevalent and chronic behavior in children with ASD, unaffected by improvements in cognitive or linguistic abilities, challenging traditional clinical assumptions. In clinical practice, elopement prevention should be part of routine assessments, with interventions focusing on managing comorbidities like ADHD and enhancing safety skills training.
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