. >> laurie mcill way nose it first hand.er son bolted out of school. >> there was a wake up call for us. kids with autism are fascinated with certain topics. for him it was highway exit signs. he headed on foot to the highway. >> the crisis led her to track how common it is. >> my name is lowry mcillwaine. i'm the cofounder and board chair... >> reporter: and what may save more children. kids may make a break for it. happens every day, every week. >> 35%, wonder once a week. >> 35%. >> and 23% try multiple times per day. >> researchers from the kennedy craiger institute found half of all children on the autism spectrum bolt around age four, up to eight times as often as unaffected siblings. most often they are drawn to roadways or to water. lorry mack ill wane and other parents begged lawmakers to small fixes, swimming lessons, they say it could go a long way in saving lives. >> when you have a child who cannot speak, who does not understand danger or ways to keep themselves safe. they are the most vulnerable people lying in