Tracking devices for autistic children reduce parental stress, improve quality of life

For parents of children with autism, the potential for a little one to wander off is a daily occurrence with dangerous consequences. Even with the necessary safety precautions, these parents can experience increased stress over the protection of their children. A study, set to be presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting in San Francisco, analyzes how tracking devices could improve the quality of life for parents of autistic children.

More than 250,000 children with autism wander away from their parent every year, despite parental precautions such as window bars of child leashes. The study, titled "Impact of Tracking Device Technology on Quality of Life for Families with a Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder," analyzes the effectiveness of electronic tracking devices on reducing the frequency of such events and parent stress levels.

"In recent years, parents and professionals have become increasingly aware of not only the dangers associated with wandering by children with autism, but also the emotional toll this places on families and the limits it imposes on activities," said Andrew Adesman, MD, a senior investigator for the abstracts being presented and Chief of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics at the Seven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York. "Given the magnitude of safety risks and parental concerns, it is important to find evidence-based solutions that reduce the likelihood of injury to children and can provide parents with less reason for worry.”

The study reviewed surveys administered through autism organizations from 1,345 parents of autistic children regarding diagnoses, severity, past behavior and prevention strategies. Researchers compared the quality of life from the past 12 months using conventional prevention methods to those using electronic tracking devices.  

Overall, 96 percent of parents using electronic tracking devices believed they improved quality of life. Nearly a quarter (23 percent) reported the devices decreased wandering events and reduced stress levels.

"Despite the development of several types of electronic tracking devices aimed at helping to reduce risks related to wandering by children with autism and other developmental disorders, currently there are no published findings regarding the effectiveness of these devices or their impact on families," said Laura McLaughlin, principal investigator for the studies.