This is a great blog post from TheAutismSite.com
Wandering is common among toddlers and is often short-lived — however, with children and adults with autism, the behavior can continue for years, with nearly fifty percent of all children with autism engaging in the behavior.
Individuals on the spectrum often have difficulties with communication and safety awareness, which can lead to a tendency to leave a safe area or a guardian’s care. Unfortunately, wandering can result in a number of dangers, including traffic injuries and (most commonly) accidental drowning.
Learn more about wandering behavior, and what you can do to help a misplaced child or adult on the spectrum in this video.