Southern Grit Advocacy Discusses response protocols for missing children with autism

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - As Autism Awareness Month approaches, a local non-profit held a free public safety discussion focused on what to do when a child with autism is reported missing.

Executive Director of Southern Grit Advocacy, Vicky Payne, said that today’s session focused on tips to help locate missing autistic children, especially in the first few minutes of a search. One tip they shared is to look around nearby sources or bodies of water, as Payne said that autistic children tend to be attracted to those.

Payne said that the first things to look out for when a child with autism goes missing are bodies of water. She said first responders use new technology, such as Google Maps, on their vehicles to see where the outside water sources are to locate them. She emphasized it’s important to inform the first responder that the child has autism, to look at where to find the child.

Officer Brian Arias, with the Wichita Falls Police Department, said a key priority to keep in mind when a child with autism goes missing is sharing information on the child, like whether they are non-verbal, to help safely save the child.

Arias said that if a parent finds themselves needing help with their child gone missing, to call 911 services immediately.