Common Sense Advocate

As a parent of an adult who wanders and an advocate that helps parents with school wandering issues, I am very happy with all the new members of the IACC, but especially for the nomination of National Autism Association’s Krystal Higgins, for the safety awareness it will bring our community.

“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the appointments of new public members to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). The IACC is a federal advisory committee composed of public stakeholders and federal officials that coordinates federal activities concerning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and provides advice to the HHS Secretary on issues related to autism.”

The individuals appointed bring a fresh perspective including advocates for wandering/eloping safety, Spellers, biomedical and alternative interventions, legislative and systems change leaders. We at Educate. Advocate. applaud these appointments.

https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-kennedy-appoints-new-interagency-autism-coordinating-committee.html

The number one people with autism die is wandering. Please share everywhere!!!

Missing 26 yr old with ASD!

This is Robert, he left his home some time after 11 pm- 4 am PST (9/6-9/7) Santa Clarita area. Carrying a red sleeping bag roll. He is high functioning. Looking for him and have contacted sheriffs department. Please pray for his safe return. Call: 818.325.9910 if you see him.

I love parents who fight for what seems small, but is actually a big deal.

Without bussing it can limits parents the availability to work and provide for their family.

If you have been denied bussing you can use this ruling as a starting place to get your child the appropriate services.

This is not law advice as I’m not attorney, just a little FYI!
https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OAH/Case-Types/Special-Education/Services/-/media/Divisions/OAH/Special-Education/SE-Decisions/2024/1---Jan/2023070164-AccMod.pdf

Autism and Wandering:
Roughly half, or 48%, of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder attempt to elope from a safe environment, a rate nearly four times higher than their unaffected siblings.
More than one third of ASD children who wander/elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number,

Approximately 50% of those who elope will die of drowning.

A child is diagnosed with autism every 4 minutes.....

As a result of the above and abuse/neglect, life expectancy for an individual with autism is 36.

By 2025, 1:2 children will be diagnosed with autism....80 percent of boys.
Welcome to our world.

When we signed up as parents, this is what we thought our world would look like!

https://nationalautismassociation.org/big-red-safety-boxes-now-available/

If you have a person in your life that wanders make sure that your advocate has read the NAA’s protocol.

NAA’s Big Red Safety Boxes® Now Available! - National Autism Association NAA is happy to be able to provide this vital safety toolkit for families. Apply now!