Each child is unique with their own strengths and challenges. But, when it comes to kids with special needs, providing extra care becomes a necessity.
A Florida family experienced every parent’s nightmare when a 5-year-old girl with autism went missing.
After the discovery, the family quickly sought help from neighbors, but no one had seen her.
Realizing the urgency, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and their Aviation Unit quickly responded.
They used ground and air resources to find the girl, and in less than an hour, they located the girl as she reached the swampy area.
“In situations like this, every second counts, and it’s always rewarding to see this quick response for our deputies and to see such a positive outcome,” says Sheriff Chad Chronister, after the HCSO released the rescue footage with the girl’s parents’ permission.
The video shows the moment the deputies found the girl with autism in a swampy area, making her way toward a body of water.
With gentle words, the responders persuaded the scared girl to join them, ensuring her safety by carrying her through the challenging terrain.
“Let’s get you out of the water, okay?” one of the officers says, later adding, “You were walking quite a bit, sweetheart.”
An officer carried the girl with autism through the woodlands and back to safety.
‘We were looking for you sweetheart,’ the deputy said as she put the girl at the back of the truck to check her.
Fortunately, the girl is safe with no reported injuries and was returned to her family, Daily Mail said.
“Their quick action saved the day, turning potential tragedy into a hopeful reunion,” said Chad.
“Their dedication shows what service and protection are all about here at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office,” he added.
Chad added that there are many obstacles when working with people with autism – one of them is that they are drawn to water and another challenge is their struggle with communication.
Chat said there is a program called “Safety Net” that helps families with children with autism or elderly family members prone to wandering.
“We see it time after time, where we can recover individuals who subscribe and there are grant programs out there that help cover the subscriptions,” Chronister said, adding that they have it on their aviation units and some of their police cars helping them to recover missing individuals as fast as possible, per WFLA.
Kids with special needs, like the girl with autism who went missing, often face challenges in communicating, social interaction, and understanding their surroundings.
Their condition makes them more vulnerable to unexpected situations.
The recent incident that involved a girl with autism shows the pressing need for parents and caregivers to provide extra care and attention to children with special needs.
By knowing and addressing their condition, giving them tailored support, and providing a safe environment, parents can improve the well-being of their children, helping them to thrive in a world that celebrates their uniqueness.
Watch how the officers rescued the girl with autism through the video below: