A young teenage boy with Autism was found by San Dimas Sheriff's deputies, who worked with the boy's family to reduce his fears and bring him home safely.
Do you know about Autism and how to help people who have Autism?
On Friday, August 17, 2012, San Dimas Sheriff’s Station deputies received a call at 4:34PM in the 3300 block of Lynoak Drive, Claremont (unincorporated).
Deputies were told a 14-year-old boy with “Classic Autism" had wandered away from home and was missing. His mother told deputies that her son had the mental capacity of a 3-year old.
Arriving deputies used their sheriff's radio to alert other deputies of the missing young man.
Sheriff's Sergeant Brett Lisle was one of the deputies checking the area. Within about 45 minutes, about a mile from where the young man was last seen, Sergeant Lisle spotted him skipping northbound on Garey Ave, south of Foothill Boulevard, in Pomona (unincorporated).
Sergeant Lisle stopped nearby the boy and called out to him by name. Sergeant Lisle said, "I could tell by the boy's reaction that he was scared and confused."
Based on the boy’s reaction and knowing that individuals with Classic Autism do not speak much and are very sensitive to sounds and touch (non-verbal and hypersensitive to environmental stimuli such as sound, touch, etc.),” rather than approach him, Sergeant Lisle decided to follow the boy. Meanwhile, he used his sheriff's radio to ask assisting deputies to bring the mother of the boy to his location.
The boy seemed upset and confused and the deputies were concerned he might step into traffic, so they kept a close watch on him and were ready to take action if needed.
A male adult family member known to the boy was able to arrive prior to the mom. He made contact with the boy and physically placed him into his vehicle, while deputies stood nearby. Initially the boy was not cooperative, but the family member was able to restrain the boy without hurting him, until his mother arrived and was able to calm him down.
The boy and his family returned home safely.
* What Is Autism? What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.
Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age.
Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work and one in which our families and volunteers play an invaluable role.
More about Autism:
Interactive Autism Network - Linking the Autism Community and Researchers:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/
Autism Society
http://www.autism-society.org
San Dimas Sheriff's Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
www.SanDimas.lasd.org
(909) 450-2700
Irys Alvarez, Deputy
Mike Parker, Captain
Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau - Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
323-267-4800
http://www.lasd.org
[email protected]
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Leroy D. Baca, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
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