Bolting onto roads

[Hurricane74]

Hi

DS age 4 with ASC tends to bolt around roads and has done for some time now, especially on school run with his older siblings. I seem to be just about holding this together by keeping his attention with treats/ other distractions, holding hands even when he struggles away, and/ or holding his clothes. Also ask friends to pick up my other DCs so I can stay at home with DS and avoid roads. DS seems to think it’s something of a game and I think he likes to show his independence. Can anyone who has also experienced this problem tell me if any particular strategies have worked for them (we have unsuccessfully tried reins and pushchair which he becomes v distressed in). Also, did bolting eventually tail off (praying it will)? Xx

Tbh I ended up putting (wrestling) ds3 at this age in a buggy with an old phone to watch cartoons and snacks.

If we had to walk then we still used a reins back pack which he filled with toys (crap) which made him marginally happier about it. Though tbh I gave up and got a car which not everyone could afford to do.

Ds is 4 too. We bought a set of reins and persevered. He used to scream, spin round, throw himself on the floor when we first got them. He will now hold hands, but I keep hold of the reins just in case. If really difficult he goes in the buggy with distractions and snacks. I started him in the holidays with walks to the park. We have applied for a special needs buggy now as he is getting bigger and DLA to help us pay for taxis if necessary. It is not easy, but if you break the habit now it will be safer in the long run when he is stronger and might be able to pull away from you.