"The playground was fenced but there were children constantly opening and shutting the gate. Tina ran towards a group of people and proceeded to slap each person she came in contact with. What if someone would've struck back not knowing Tina is autistic and can't help herself?"

My 6 year-old daughter does the same thing. Sometimes nothing happens so I let my guard down then she's blowing raspberries at other kids. Once she grabbed a baby stroller and the mother pushing it got pretty pissed off and starting telling me to control my child. The mom had no idea my daughter has autism and yeah I wish I had more control over her myself. This weekend I turned by back and she was running in the street at moving cars- scary.

For people who don't get autism, you'll look a like paranoid helicopter parent or a lazy bum who is a crappy parent. I get the feeling most of them think autism is just a lame excuse because all autistic are really geniuses or so they are told. They will tell you all kids do stupid things but they don't get how often and how severe it can get with an autistic kid. A stern lecture and taking away toys or whatever doesn't get the attention of these kids. It's an all the time problem that lasts for years maybe a lifetime and it's not just a phase.

Kids with autism seem to thrive on routine. What you and I find boring may be essential for their well being. Too much change causes anxiety. At least that's what I've noticed with my granddaughter and I've also done a great deal of reading on the subject.

Children do need to go out and play but dragging Tina all over town and forcing her into potentially dangerous situations just to make her life "normal" is not necessary. What would be considered restrictive for a child who is nonverbal, elopes, and knows no danger?

Safety has to come first.

Like you mentioned, swimming lessons are a must. She also needs to learn how to navigate on dry land.

I go through the same thing with my family. They do not understand that he wonders or runs away, and he doesn't respond when he's called for. It's terrifying to let someone take him for a walk, but my family get offended when I don't let them and try to explain why. Kinda feels like a no win situation sometimes.

My son doesn't understand. He is 4 1/2. I would never allow anyone to do what you have described. They would be fired. Does not work. There is no reasoning with some of our kiddos. With me safety comes first. I have two runners. But my 6yo has almost outgrown it. My 4yo maybe never will. So we are getting and training a service dog for him.

My daughter is reluctant to fire them because of the waiting lists. It took quite a while to get therapists from this company. It's the same for everything, a lot of waiting and waiting lists.