Starting today, Florida has a new emergency alert designed to help quickly locate missing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Known as the Spectrum Alert, the system is intended to rapidly notify the public when a child with autism goes missing and is believed to be in danger. Children with ASD are significantly more likely to wander, or “elope,” from safe environments and are often drawn to bodies of water, making every minute critical.
In the most serious cases, an Enhanced Spectrum Alert may also trigger a Wireless Emergency Alert to cell phones in the area where the child was last seen.
To issue a Spectrum Alert, law enforcement must determine that:
• The child is under 18.
• The child is believed to have autism spectrum disorder.
• The child is believed to be in danger.
• A detailed description or photo is available.
• The investigating law enforcement agency requests activation.
If you receive one of these alerts, please take a moment to read it carefully. Even one person noticing a child matching the description can make a life-saving difference.