Yes more EAs are needed

But they cannot be the sole response to elopement

Forcing an EA to act as a physical guard creates a high-stress environment for both the staff & the student

It focuses on physical restraint or containment rather than regulation

9/

#OntEd #autism

- ensure the school's emergency protocol focuses on calm, non-threatening tracking rather than chasing or restraint
- implement structural safety measures (delayed-egress doors, chime alarms or secure fencing) so safety does not depend entirely on human reflexes

8/

#OntEd #autism

- provide robust AAC tools
- use visual markers (like stop signs on exit doors)
- map out clear, predictable routines for high-risk times like recess, assemblies or classroom transitions

7/

#OntEd #autism

A neuro-affirming safety framework balances immediate physical safety with respect for the child’s autonomy & sensory profile

- identify sensory triggers
- establish safe sensory spaces where they can go to instead when overwhelmed
- schedule movement breaks

6/

#OntEd #autism

Elopement is functional communication

If an autistic student is running away due to sensory overload, an intense fixation or communication frustration, simply blocking them does not solve the distress that caused them to run in the first place

5/

#OntEd #autism

Constant, hyper-vigilant physical blocking or shadowing by an EA can actually escalate a student’s anxiety or feelings of entrapment, paradoxically increasing the urge to flee

4/

#OntEd #autism

A 1:1 EA is not a complete solution

When an autistic student is pushed past their window of tolerance into a "flight" response, they can move with incredible speed & single-minded determination

An EA turning away for a single second creates an immediate window for elopement

3/

#OntEd #autism

Running away feels like the only viable way to exit an overwhelming situation

But relying solely on an EA treats elopement as an issue of willpower or obedience

True prevention requires systemic, environmental and nervous-system-centered changes

2/

#OntEd #autism

Thread:

From a neuro-affirming perspective, elopement is not "bad behaviour" defiance or a choice

It is a powerful somatic survival response, usually triggered by sensory overload, intense nervous system distress or a profound communication barrier

1/

#OntEd #autism

#OntEd schools are already $6.5 billion behind.

A report today from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario reveals that the govt plans to shortchange schools by another $4.2 billion over the next three years.

Our students need real school funding. Not more cuts.
https://bit.ly/4xYOOHE

This is so funny to me!
I thought they were supposed to be our sole, monopolistic supplier now?
#OntEd

In the blog: When “Good Behaviour” Means Acting Neurotypical: Understanding Neuronormative Social Expectations in School

peelautismresourceblog.wordpress.com/2026/08/09/w...

#OntEd #autism #neurodiversity #EduSky #IEP

The PETL team showing up today in #Red4Ed for #OntEdUnited.

Doug Ford & Paul Calandra: Fair warning…we’re coming for the schools our students & communities deserve.

#ETFO #OntEd #OnLab

Proud to join teachers and education workers in Nepean this morning for their Day of Action.

Our schools need proper funding, safe and supportive classrooms, and the staff and resources students need to succeed.

#OntEdUnited #Red4Ed #OntEd

Better sharing on here, better political chaos on Twitter. 😁

Shame that #OntEd couldn't find a place for me after a pretty amazing secondment, but our overly politicized collection of petty fiefdoms was always a bad fit.

Now I get to go after the big problems directly without board politics!

#OntEd
#RedForEd
#UnionStrong

If you see someone at your child’s school wearing red (#ETFO) or purple (#CUPE) today it’s because they care about public education and how this govt’s intentional underfunding is affecting students.

P.S. We’ve been working without a contract since August 31.

#OntEd
#RedForEd
#UnionStrong

"If they need help, they can ask for it"

Often the moment a neurodivergent student needs support the most is when they're least able to advocate for themselves or make use of the options available

Support has to be proactive, consistent & adult-led

#OntEd #autism

A reminder to wear red or purple for TOMORROW's province-wide #DayOfAction!

#CatholicTeachers – join 275,000+ teachers & education workers across Ontario in wearing red and purple to support publicly funded education & fight for the funding #OntEd students need to succeed!