Missing with Autism: Charles Foster (Dearborn, Mich)

Dearborn Police search for missing teen who has Autism, bi-polar disorder & suffers from mood swings

DEARBORN, Mich. (WXYZ) - Dearborn Police are asking for the public's help to find a teenager who has been missing since Saturday night. 

Officers say 16-year-old Charles Foster was last seen by his parents as he was walking out of the family's home in the 4600 block of Schlaff. The incident happened at around 10:45 pm.
 Police say Charles' parents were unable to catch him as he ran northbound. 

Charles is 5'2" tall and weighs about 110 pounds. He appears much younger than his actual age. Charles has short hair and wears small frame glasses. 

He suffers from Autism, bi-polar disorder and mood swings. However, his family does not believe that he is a danger to himself or others. 

Charles was last seen wearing a beige collared short sleeve shirt with horizontal stripes, dark shoes and his glasses. 

Police say he has run away in the past and will frequent restaurants, gas stations or will beg for food. 

Anyone who has come into contact with Charles is asked to call 911 or Dearborn Police at (313) 943-2241.

Read more: http://www.wxyz.com//dpp/news/region/wayne_county/dearborn-police-search-for-missing-teen-who-has-autism-bi-polar-disorder--suffers-from-mood-swings#ixzz2eQfwfQd4

When a child with autism wanders, it's crucial to stay a step ahead

When a child with autism wanders, it's crucial to stay a step ahead

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- The Oertel family lives in a red-brick, two-story house tucked in a tree-lined, suburban Maryland cul-de-sac. There's no fence, just a small alarm company sign on the lawn that gives no clue to the system's real purpose.
The array of bolts high on the front door, the upgraded locks on the patio and garage doors and the "burglar" alarm are meant less to keep out intruders than to prevent 15-year-old Luke Oertel from silently leaving. 

Luke has a moderate form of autism, a developmental disorder that affects a child's social interactions, language and behavior. He is among those with autism who wander without a typical child's sense of fear or danger. 

In June, Luke outsmarted a system of combination locks and wandered five miles away, through the early-morning rush hour, taking a pedestrian underpass beneath a heavily traveled road off the Capital Beltway.

Last year, "autism wandering" became an official diagnosis in the United States with its own medical code. Some of those afflicted enter strangers' houses. Others end up in traffic or on train tracks. Many find their way to nearby pools or ponds.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/health/HealthDay662455_20120323_When_a_Child_With_Autism_Wanders__It_s_Crucial_to_Stay_a_Step_Ahead.html#ixzz1pxhE8wJr 
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More on Autism Wandering Medical Diagnosis Code

7 Year old with Autism Dramatic Creek Rescue Footage Released

Footage released of missing boy's creek rescue

When the Nine News crew spotted Ryan Pham he was naked and shivering as he waded through some reeds on the opposite side of a fast-flowing creek, apparently about to attempt a crossing.

"Ryan, just wait there, mate," cameraman Glenn Edwards called out.

"It's alright buddy, we're getting your mum."

But the autistic seven-year-old boy, who had been missing since the previous night, appeared not to heed the message — so Edwards dived into the muddy creek and swam across to his rescue.

Full footage of the heroics, which unfolded this morning at the Kororoit Creek in the Melbourne suburb of Albanvale, can be seen above.

Edwards and a news crew were driving down a dirt track around 11am (AEST) when they spotted the boy, about 2km from his Springvale home.

"He was so cold he was nearly blue," Mr Edwards said.

More @ http://www.news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8426490/footage-released-of-missing-boys-creek-rescue

No Duh New of the Day: No charges in Robert "Robbie" Wood Jr. Case

Robert Wood Jr.: No Charges in Robert Wood Jr Missing Case - wtvr

HANOVER COUNTY, VA (WTVR) - Charges will not be pursued in the Robert Wood Jr. case.

Found with Autism: Robert "Robbie" Wood Jr. found alive after 6 Days!!!

This just goes to show never give up hope. Amazing that Robbie survived 6 days in these conditions. I don't want to hear those wimps on Survivor whining anymore if Robbie can survive this situation. Also, another case of the child being found within 1 mile of where he was last seen. These seems very common. I would still like to have stats on how far these kids are found from last known location.

UPDATE: Robert Wood Jr. found alive in Hanover | Richmond Times-Dispatch

DOSWELL, Va. --

A Martin Marietta quarry worker found Robert Wood Jr. about 2 p.m. lying down in a creek bed or gully west of the Martin Marietta quarry property, about three-quarters to a mile from where he was last seen, Hanover Sheriff David Hines said during an afternoon news briefing.

Hines said Robert was alert and described his condition as “serious but in good shape.” He was fully clothed.

“There is a God, he listens to prayer and the prayers were answered,” said Hines, adding, “no one on the team ever gave up” looking for him.

Robert, an 8-year-old severely autistic child who cannot speak, disappeared Sunday during a family walk in North Anna Battlefield park.

The worker found Robert in a fetal position but alert about 50 yards from the edge of the quarry.

Hines said the area where Robert was found had been searched before. “It’s been a challenge dealing with a child with special needs who is lost. I can’t tell you he was there (earlier). I don’t think we walked past him.”

“We have 6,000 volunteers to thank – and not just from Hanover County – but from the entire region,” said Hines, who also praised the support the department received from numerous public safety agencies, the military, search and rescue groups and local businesses.

The search, Hines said, was “an effort by an entire region – and possibly a state.”

“Whenever a child goes missing, everyone wants to step up,” he said.

“We’ve spoken with the experts that have been involved in these searches, and they have never been involved a search that had this many volunteers consistently, everyday, and grow everyday,” the chief said.

The investigation into how Robert became separated from his father continues, Hines said.

-- Mark Bowes and Bill McKelway

Day six of the search for Robert "Robbie" Wood Jr

Day six of the search for Robert Wood Jr. - NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA |

HANOVER COUNTY, VA (WWBT) - Entering day six and there is still no sign of the little boy lost in North Anna Battlefield Park.

Rescuers are not giving up hope on finding young Robert, but the conditions outside are about to be the worst its ever been in the search so far; it's much cooler Friday morning than the past few days. On top of that, we had rain last night and stronger winds. Hypothermia is still a concern for rescue crews as they're determined to find Robert.

Search Continues for Robert Woods Jr. Missing Mute Autistic Boy - ABC News

Search Continues for Robert Woods Jr. Missing Mute Autistic Boy - ABC News

As near-freezing temperatures threatened to set in at nightfall, more than 1,000 volunteers spent today searching rugged Virginia woodlands for a 9-year-old autistic boy who has been missing since Sunday.
Carrying walking sticks and wearing yellow reflective jackets, the searchers began lining up before dawn to be taken to the forest where they were to look for Robert Wood, Jr.
More @ http://abcnews.go.com/US/search-continues-robert-woods-jr-missing-mute-autistic/story?id=14827692

92% of kids with autism have wandered

Missing Autistic Boy: Tracking Technology Helps Find 'Eloping' Kids - ABC News

"If it happens once, it will happen again unless you do something about it," said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, a neurologist specializing in autism at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, of the tendency for kids with autism to bolt or "elope."

In a 2007 survey by the National Autism Association, 92 percent of parents said their children with an autism spectrum disorder had wandered away from safety at least once.

To help recover kids quickly if they do get away, Jim Nalley and Chris Buehler founded Emfinders -- a Frisco, Texas-based company that makes tracking devices integrated with the national emergency services system. Since 2010, the company has sold more than 4,000 devices, called EmSeeQ, and aided 60 recoveries.

More @ http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AutismNews/missing-autistic-boy-tracking-technology-helps-find-eloping/story?id=14517747

Elation greets discovery of missing autistic boy, 8, in forest - latimes.com

Elation greets discovery of missing autistic boy, 8, in forest - latimes.com

First came the footprint. Then a series of them. Then a boy's rain-soaked striped shirt laid out on a log. By Tuesday afternoon, a four-member search team, one of dozens scoping the thickly forested San Bernardino National Forest, had the boy — alive, though tired and hungry.

"Thank you … you saved me," the boy said in a low voice.

Joshua Robb, an autistic 8-year-old who had been missing for more than 24 hours after running away from his elementary school in Twin Peaks, was found in "pretty good shape" in a rugged ravine 1 1/2 miles from the school, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department officials said. The boy, who "was basically boxed in," said Capt. Tony Nicassio, was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he was listed in good condition.

"He's drinking water ... eating ... it's elation ... relief," Lt. Rick Ells said. "He seems in pretty good shape."

More @ http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-autistic-boy-20110914,0,5254353.story?track=rss

15-Year-Old Boy with Autism Wandered to Boston's Subway System; Rescued via SafetyNet System

15-Year-Old Boy with Autism Wandered to Boston's Subway System; Rescued by MBTA Transit... -- BOSTON, Sept. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

First Rescue in Boston Using SafetyNet System

BOSTON, Sept. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday morning, a 15-year-old resident of East Boston – who has autism and is enrolled in the SafetyNet Service – wandered away from his school to one of his favorite spots – the subway system – and was rescued within approximately 20 minutes by MBTA Transit Police using the SafetyNet by LoJack System. This is the first rescue in Boston since the service was made available in January 2011.

The Details of the Rescue:

When school officials noticed the boy was missing, they immediately called 911. Boston Police Department dispatch notified its ground units, as well as the MBTA Transit Police Department. Police were alerted that the boy's last known location was North Station and arrived with their SafetyNet tracking equipment. Approximately 20 minutes after arriving at North Station, officers with the MBTA Transit Police began picking up a signal emitting from the missing boy's SafetyNet Bracelet. The signal was coming from Downtown Crossing and was strongest underground. Officers went underground into the subway, boarded a train and were able to locate the boy, who was heading southbound. Using techniques learned in the SafetyNet training sessions, the officers were able to effectively communicate with and approach the boy and ultimately safely remove him from the train. He was rescued unharmed and later brought back to his parent.

"We are proud of our transit police officers' quick response to this emergency situation," said Transit Police Deputy Chief Joseph O'Connor. "With the use of SafetyNet Search and Rescue Receivers, officers were able to reunite the lost child with his family within minutes."

This is the first rescue of a client enrolled in the SafetyNet by LoJack service in the city of Boston.

The SafetyNet service is comprised of a SafetyNet Bracelet worn by a client that emits Radio Frequency signals, which can be tracked by local public safety officials via their SafetyNet Search and Rescue Receivers.

The SafetyNet service is currently available to residents in Boston, as well as many surrounding towns and counties. In an effort to provide valuable protection to individuals at risk of wandering, LoJack SafetyNet™, Inc. is currently providing 1,500 free SafetyNet devices -- along with six months of service -- now through September 30, 2011 to any interested caregivers living in SafetyNet's coverage areas. For more information on SafetyNet by LoJack and the giveaway, please contact (877) 4-FINDTHEM (877-434-6384) or visit www.safetynetbylojack.com.

EMFinders Bracelets for Missing Ohio Seniors and Children with Autism

High-Tech Bracelets Locate Missing Ohio Seniors, Autistic Children

To track down autistic children or senior citizens who may go missing, an Ohio police department is supplying wrist bracelets to its community that — with 911 assistance and cell phone technology — can triangulate the bracelet wearer’s location.

The Rocky River Police Department in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, acquired 15 of the tracking bracelets and demonstrated the technology to its citizens last week. Police Chief Kelly Stillman said Rocky River is the first city in Ohio to offer the bracelets, which are available free of charge (with a monthly activation fee) to those in the community who need them.

Stillman said nearly 30 percent of Rocky River’s population is senior citizens.

The bracelets — by EMFinders based in Frisco, Texas — are the size of a wristwatch. Two people are required to attach and take the device off a user’s wrist, Stillman said.

More at http://www.govtech.com/public-safety/High-Tech-Bracelets-Missing-Ohio-Seniors-Autistic-Children.html

Child with autism found wandering interstate

Autistic Child Found Wandering Along I-17 Access Road: MyFoxPHOENIX.com

Autistic Child Found Wandering Along I-17 Access Road

PHOENIX - An autistic child was found wandering along a Phoenix highway off-ramp Monday morning.

A good samaritan helped out and now police have a lot of questions.

The good news is that the boy was not hurt and he's back home with his mother. It's a happy ending to a frightening day for the child.

Police tried talking with the 6-year-old in the back seat of a patrol car while officers searched for his parents. The boy was found wandering alone on the southbound frontage road near I-17 and Thomas, wearing nothing but a diaper Monday morning.

"It's crazy..I watch my kids really good..they don't go out of the house, they stay in the house..I would not let my kids run around in diapers outside," said Lupe Taylor, a neighbor.

Missing with Autism: Ryan Durland (Great Bend, Kansas)

Autistic boy goes missing in Great Bend - Local News - Wichita, KS - msnbc.com

GREAT BEND, Kansas — Barton County Sheriff's officials are on the lookout tonight for 11-year-old Ryan Durland.

Durland disappeared after 4 p.m. in Twin Lakes area in Great Bend.

Barton County dispatch tells KSN the boy is autistic.

He is 4 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 90 pounds. He was last seen wearing an orange and white shirt, blue jean shorts, and yellow cropped shoes.

If you have seen him, you are asked to call Barton County authorities immediately.

Missing with Autism: Kristina Vlassenko (Arvada, CO)

Autistic Girl Reported Missing in Arvada - Denver News Story - KMGH Denver

ARVADA, Colo. -- The search continues Tuesday for a missing 10-year-old autistic girl from Arvada.Kristina Vlassenko was last seen in the area of 58th Avenue and Miller Street just after 3:30 p.m. Monday.Police said Kristina has limited speaking ability and is from Russia.

Members of the Arvada Police Department canvassed the area Monday night in an effort to determine where Kristina may have gone, but there were no signs of the girl, said Arvada police spokeswoman Susan Medina.Several members of the volunteer Arvada Search Team were called to look for Kristina but have been unsuccessful in locating her.Kristina is equipped with a LifeTrak tracking system; however, the device has not yielded any results thus far, police said. The device is not GPS-based but tracks via low frequency radio signals, Medina said.

Related:

• Autistic 10-year-old Arvada girl missing from her home
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• Police need help to find a missing autistic girl‎
• Arvada police search for missing 10-year-old girl

Search ends for Adam Benhamama

Laval boy presumed dead as search ends

Parents seek high-tech solutions to keep tabs on children

Laval, Que., police say they have done all they can do to find a missing boy with autism and have ended their search and recovery mission.

Adam Benhamama, 3, has been missing since Sunday after he was last seen playing with his older sister at the home of a family friend.

Police believe he fell into the frigid waters of the Mille-Îles River, which runs just metres behind the home in the Auteuil neighbourhood of the city, north of Montreal.

The father had just stepped inside the house for a few minutes when his daughter rushed in to say that Adam was nowhere to be seen.

"We've done all we could do as far as the ground search and the river," said Laval police Const. Nathalie Lorrain.

Parents use GPS to track son with autism

The case of Adam Benhamama has highlighted the challenge some families face in keeping tabs on their children with autism.

Some parents are reaching out to technology. Melanie Chartrand and Patrice Rodier said their son Felix, who could not speak, would often wander away when he was a young boy.

Rodier, a computer technician, came across an early personal GPS tracking devices and had a brainwave.

"I saw that, and then, of course, I thought of my son," said Rodier.

He has since created his own GPS system and paired it with a computer mapping software. Rodier sells the pair for about $300.

Even though Felix is older, the family still uses the GPS when in crowded places.

"This would be to use if something did happen. You don't want something happening," he said.

Electra Dalamagas of Autism Montreal said a GPS device cannot replace proper parental supervision.

"The device doesn't have the judgment or capacity to stop a child from doing something," she said.

Divers using sonar had searched the river for days but by nightfall on Wednesday they had come up empty-handed.

"There was no clue whatsoever, nothing has turned up — no piece of clothing, absolutely nothing," said Lorrain.

Lorrain said investigators will discuss Thursday if there is anything else they can do besides wait for the boy's body to surface.

Read more at http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2011/04/07/search-ends-laval-autistic-boy.html

Missing with Autism: Adam Benhamama, Now Recovery Operation

"Police say the operation is now a recovery one."

MONTREAL - A close family friend of a 3-year-old boy missing since Sunday in Laval said Wednesday the child was only diagnosed with autism about a month ago and he was not completely deaf and mute, as media reports have said.

Chaker Chraibi said Adam Benhamama could utter some words and he was not completely deaf. His 4th birthday is June 22, he noted.

Speaking to reporters on the third day of an intense police search for Benhamama, now focussed mainly on the Mille Îles River, Chraibi said the boy's disapperance was a tragedy and a harsh reminder of how crucial it is to constantly supervise children. Benhamama went missing while he was playing hide and seek with his 7-year-old sister about 1 p.m. on Sunday.

"It's a terrible lesson for everybody to learn," Chraibi said, "but it can happen to anybody."

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/missing+Laval+hear+speak/4551907/story.html#ixzz1IldkS5Gg

Autism with a history of wandering

Advocates want 'autistic wandering' to be its own diagnosis

"Go to Disney. Go to Disney. Go to Disney." Ethan Bunkelmann is a 6-year-old Houdini who will bolt his North Palm Beach home on any number of whims. "Go to Target. Go to Target. Go to Target."

He will unbolt locks and prop up chairs to reach the highest door chain. He will ignore door alarms and slip a parent's watchful eye. He will not respond to people searching for him. He may even try to hurt himself or a potential "rescuer" if stopped.

Ethan Bunkelmann is an autistic boy with a history of wandering. And some of the biggest national organizations that advocate for and promote research of autism, a complex neurobiological disorder, are making a push for "Autism with a history of wandering" to become its own medical diagnosis.

As National Autism Awareness Month begins, they hope a few numbers and letters in the bible of medicine will bring attention to the problem and make solutions, such as electronic tracking devices, more affordable for the families.

Perhaps it will even curb the stunning death toll wandering wreaks among children already diagnosed as autistic.

They point to what they already know: The death rate among the autism population is higher than the general population -- perhaps twice as high, according to a Danish study in 2008. And much of that elevated death rate can be attributed to the wanderers drowning in ponds, lakes and neighbors' pools .

Read more at: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/health/fl-hk-autistic-wanderers-040111,0,7166600.story