Bolting

[Hurricane74]

Hi
My DS is 3.5 and recently diagnosed with ASD. We seem to be finding strategies for managing many of his issues e.g. social anxiety, and trying to encourage speech. The one thing I am struggling massively with at the moment is his tendency to bolt. So for example he will run out of a shop while I am paying and I have to run fast to catch him before he gets into danger. And the school run can be difficult as he seems to get overexcited in the playground and run out of the gate/ along the road. My question is - has anyone else had trouble with bolting and found a good strategy to help? I have thought about a wrist strap of some kind but feel he would be resistant but would be keen to hear of anyone else who has worked through this issue! xx

[pandyandy1]

Hi

I too used to struggle with shopping and the school run as my Son would also bolt. I tried reins and a wrist strap but my Son would just sit on the floor. In the end I bought a Major McLaren SEN pushchair off eBay as essentially I just needed to keep him safe.
He is now 4.8 years old and mainly now walks holding hands but I do still use the puschair for long walks (as my Son screams to be carried) and busy environments where he just can't concentrate at all.

[Allthewaves]

I use reins - happy ish with the back pack style but often just resort to buggy in those sit down moments. I had younger child so had a phil and ted which was handy. Used it unit he started school unless there was another adult with me

when i was paying i used to wedge him between me and the till or let him put card in/get money out of purse - i also developed superman reflexs for grabbing him.

[elliejjtiny]

I have a bolter too, he is 3. I normally have him in the buggy.