It really is that fast. And you have to stay on top of the lock situation. Mine didn't have the dexterity to turn a deadbolt until suddenly they did one day, when I stepped into the kitchen to pour a cup of coffee. Older sibling, thank god, yelled out "no!" Even with immediate notice that child had run out the door, I still had to haul ass down the street barefoot. Their speed is incredible when the impulse to run takes over.My grandson will be 3 in Sept. We got his diagnosis exactly a year ago. I understand the reasoning behind "spectrum" now. As of right now, he has no sensory issues. No sounds, sights, smells, sensation, crowds, truly nothing. He plays with typical toys appropriately, and doesnt "sensory seek".
He loves on everyone and anyone, engages, makes full eye contact, and drops everything to pose if we say "cheese".
He listens well and can follow instruction, and after I fretted endlessly he took to potty training with ease.
However- he was completely non-verbal, and even though he now has a few dozen single core words he can speak, he is still considered non-verbal.
His only stims are hand flapping and jogging in place when hes super happy, and squinting his eyes (much like Abbie) when he is annoyed or bored.
But recently, he became a runner. I mean runner. I think hes bionic. I had to have new locks put on all the doors and the few windows I fear he could access as he gets bigger. We now have one of the little teddy bear/leash backpacks that we would never leave the house without. NEVER.
I raised four children, and I can honestly say that I have never felt as fearful or anxious as I was those few weeks waiting for the handyman to install those locks. I wasnt sleeping, afraid he'd sneak out in the night. (Even though my daughter moved into his room and slept directly in front of the bedroom door.) Worried when I was at work and constantly checking in. What if my daughter turned her back? Went to the restroom without him? He's that fast.
Its terrifying, and I wish I understood why they run.
The backpack leashes are lifesavers. We used one for years, and have only recently gotten rid of it because kiddo is too sick to run as fast as they used to.
And yes, I've slept in front of doors too.
Whatever locks you have now, start looking for the next step up. Chain locks at the top of your reach, audible alarms on external doors & windows, depending on the style of window you have in your house there are several types that will allow for like a 1" opening for air circulation without letting it open enough for a kid to get out. We never had to go this route but some parents do need to put bars on windows. Make yourself aware now of the options available so you're not scrambling for a solution if things progress down the line.
