AUTISM groups are divided on a controversial plan by the US (CDC) to classify wandering as a medical symptom. While advocates say it could improve our understanding of the risks associated with wandering, critics say it will lead to restrictions on people with autism.
The issue was discussed by the , which heard “tragic stories of children dying” in accidents resulting from disability-related wandering, says of the CDC.
But the is one of a number of groups that argue there is no evidence that wandering should be regarded as a medical rather than a behavioural phenomenon.
“We are very concerned [the change] will lead to increased use of restraint and seclusion, abuse and more restrictive service provision for people with disabilities,” says of ASAN. Wandering can act as a substitute form of communication for people with autism who cannot speak and might deal with overwhelming situations by walking away. By making it a symptom, Ne’eman worries that this signal may be ignored.
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