Federal Autism Missing-Person Initiative Announced in Rochester
A new federal initiative is being developed to improve the response when an autistic child or adult is reported missing.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior announced the effort Friday in Rochester. The initiative brings together H-H-S, the Justice Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The agencies will develop autism-informed training, alert language and search practices for law enforcement, first responders and emergency managers. The effort will build on existing missing-and-endangered-person alert systems instead of creating a separate nationwide alert.
Officials say families and caregivers should call 9-1-1 immediately when an autistic person goes missing and provide information about communication needs, behavior and nearby hazards.
