Effectiveness- Implementation Trial of the Function-Based Elopement Treatment

"FBET is a structured, caregiver-implemented behavioral intervention targeting elopement in children. It includes:~* Psychoeducation and Behavioral Assessment-caregivers receive training on elopement, behavioral principles, and assessment strategies~* Functional Analysis Coaching-therapists guide caregivers through a latency-based functional analysis to identify the function of elopement~* Individualized Treatment Implementation-caregivers apply a function-based plan using differential reinforcement, providing preferred items/activities contingent on safe behavior~* Treatment Modification-therapists support caregivers in adjusting the plan based on child's response.~There will be 12 2-hour, caregiver-mediated sessions across 20 weeks Caregivers also learn safety and prevention strategies, including the use of resources like the Big Red Safety Toolkit."

TAU consists of ongoing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, including caregiver training as it normally exists, provided by the family's Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), independent of the study protocol. The BCBA determines session frequency, content, and focus based on clinical judgment and the child's individual needs. Topics may include skill acquisition, behavior reduction (including elopement), or other areas deemed relevant to the child's care. The research team does not influence or standardize the TAU content, but will monitor and document the services delivered for descriptive and comparative purposes