Wandering Assistance

Wandering loved ones are cause for concern; therefore, MedicAlert® provides wandering assistance services to ease the fears and anxieties of families and caregivers. A great benefit for individuals with Autism, MedicAlert Foundation®'s service is available 24/7 to assist during wandering-related incidents.

Autism-Related Wandering

Wandering-related factors (such as drowning and prolonged exposure), remain among the top causes of death within the autism population. According to a 2007 online poll through the National Autism Association, 92% of parents reported that their children with autism have a tendency to wander.

Source: AWAARE.org

MedicAlert Foundation's Wandering Assistance Service

When a member is reported missing, MedicAlert Foundation is there to respond. Below are the recommended steps to take if your loved one is missing:

  • Search where your child was last seen. If you can’t find them within five minutes, call the police.
  • Tell the police your child's medical condition, that he/she is enrolled with MedicAlert Foundation, and be prepared to answer questions about your child.
  • Next, call MedicAlert Foundation at 1.800.625.3780 to notify us that your loved one has gone missing. We’ll coordinate with family and other authorities to relay information during this time.
  • Once your child is found, the citizen or police officer that found them calls the toll-free number listed on your child's MedicAlert ID.
  • MedicAlert Foundation then notifies you and ensures your child is returned home safely.

Included in the following memberships:

MedicAlert Kid Smart®

I'm so thankful for MedicAlert Foundation. I also appreciate the support from generous people. Because of their donations, my daughter qualified for a membership. Thanks MedicAlert!!

Valleri Glasgow

Before my 6 year old son goes to school, I make sure he has his MedicAlert jewelry on. He picks out 1-2 pieces of jewelry each year and chooses what he wants to wear each day. He wears them proudly! I was nervous to let him start school this year, but knowing he has MedicAlert has helped me relax.

Jolene Ford

My 11 month old has life threatening food allergies and food intollerances, and he is G-tube dependant. We use MedicAlert because I know that if anything happened that he would be okay in an emergency situation.

Rachel Singleton

Ever since we got our son a MedicAlert ID, we have a layer of security knowing that in case of an emergency, even though he cannot speak for himself, MedicAlert will speak for him. If he ever wanders, whoever finds him can call the 800 number and we will be contacted by MedicAlert immediately. This adds a sense of protection to our family.

Keith Larson

In further care for Christopher, I purchased him a MedicAlert bracelet that he never takes off. No matter where Christopher is, we know that if something happens to him, MedicAlert will provide emergency personnel with his medical information and call to inform us of his condition and location.

Christopher Casem's Mother