Together, We Can Make Lyfe A Breeze.

What is Autism Elopement?

Elopement, or wandering, is when a child leaves a safe area without supervision. For autistic children, this can happen quickly and silently. Water is a particular risk—many children are drawn to its movement, sound, and sensory calm. Knowing why it happens is the first step to preventing it.

• Strong attraction to water and sensory experiences
• May wander or run unexpectedly, even from familiar places
• Limited awareness of danger or difficulty communicating distress
• May not respond when their name is called

Create Multiple Layers of Safety

No single device can prevent every drowning. Combine close supervision, physical barriers, life jackets, alarms, swim skills, and emergency planning to build a wall of protection around your child.

• Designate a responsible Water Watcher—no phones or distractions
• Install four-sided pool fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates
• Use U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, never inflatable toys or floaties
• Secure doors, windows, and gates; empty buckets and kiddie pools after use
• Add door/window alarms and visual STOP signs for wandering prevention

Write It Down, Share It Everywhere

A written Family Wandering Emergency Plan gives everyone the information they need to act fast. Include photos, identifying details, communication needs, triggers, favorite places, and nearby water hazards.

• Full name, nickname, height, weight, and identifying features
• Diagnosis, medical info, and sensory or communication needs
• Known wandering triggers and places the child may try to reach
• List all nearby water: pools, ponds, canals, fountains, drainage areas
• Share with caregivers, teachers, babysitters, and first responders—before an emergency

Act Immediately. Call 911.

Every minute matters. Tell responders your child has autism and is at risk of wandering and drowning. Provide a current photo and key information. Check water first—pools, ponds, lakes, canals, fountains, and drainage areas.

• Call 911 immediately—do not wait
• Share communication and behavior details with responders
• Check all nearby water first, then other places the child loves
• Alert neighbors and ask them to check their own yards and pools

Back to School Book Bag and School Supplies Giveaway

The Kallie Breeze Foundation was proud to participate in a community back-to-school giveaway alongside 99 Jamz and other participating organizations. Our foundation contributed backpacks and school supplies to help children begin the school year with essential items. We are grateful for the opportunity to support this community effort and stand alongside the volunteers, organizations, and individuals who helped serve local families. Our participation reflected our ongoing commitment to education, inclusion, family support, and brighter futures for children.

Community Engagement

The Kallie Breeze Foundation was honored to participate in Autism Superpowers Family Fun Day in Miami Gardens, presented by Councilwoman Katrina Wilson and A-Stone Music Therapy. The Kallie Breeze Foundation proudly participated in a community Autism Awareness Walk. During the event, our foundation shared Kallie’s story and raised awareness about autism elopement and the increased risk of drowning.

• Participated in a walk alongside families, advocates, and community organizations
• Shared Kallie’s story and honored her lasting legacy
• Raised awareness about autism elopement and water-related risks
• Promoted greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion

Turning Awareness Into Prevention

During Autism Awareness Month and National Drowning Prevention Awareness efforts, the Kallie Breeze Foundation connected two important conversations: understanding autism elopement and preventing childhood drowning. By sharing Kallie’s story, we encouraged families and communities to recognize the risks and take practical steps to protect children.

• Raised awareness about the connection between autism elopement and drowning risk
• Honored Kallie’s legacy through education, advocacy, and community action

Prefer to help another way? Contact us at ka@kalliebreezefoundation.org to discuss sponsorships, donated goods, services, or volunteer opportunities.

Your Support Can Help Provide Water-safety and drowning-prevention education Elopement-prevention resources for families Life jackets, alarms, identification tools, and safety materials Youth and family community programs Educational events and outreach initiatives Support for families and children in need

• $25 — Safety Supporter
• $50 — Family Advocate
• $100 — Breeze Builder
• $250 — Hope Maker
• $500 — Legacy Supporter
• Custom Amount — Every Gift Matters