Autism awareness plays major role in search for Robert Wood, Jr - NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA |

Autism awareness plays major role in search for Robert Wood, Jr - NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA |

HANOVER, VA (WWBT) - One of the most moving sights on the scene of the search for Robert Wood, Jr. is the number of volunteers who have come to help.

1,200 people showed up today alone, all ready to donate their time, some for the third day in a row. The task ahead of them is not an easy one, searching for miles for one small boy whose autism might keep him from responding.

It's tough terrain for these volunteers. This area is a place of tall trees and open spaces, cliffs and ravines. Before they head into the field, everyone undergoes training, where Robert's autism is one of the main focuses.

This disability has truly transformed the way authorities have developed their search tactics. For example, Robert really likes to climb trees, and they say he's very good at it.