WEST PALM BEACH, Fla (CBS12) — The heartbreaking death of a 5-year-old nonverbal boy with autism in Port St. Lucie has sparked urgent conversations about how to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
Families across Florida know all too well the dangers of wandering — a risk especially prevalent among children with autism.
Candi Spitz, Executive Director of Autism Speaks and a mother of two boys with autism, joined CBS12 News at 3 p.m. Tuesday to discuss just how widespread this issue is and the innovative steps being taken to protect vulnerable children.
According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Florida has the fifth highest rate of autism-related drownings in the nation, and more than 60% of child drowning deaths last year involved children with autism.
One of those steps is Project Lifesaver International — a program where participants wear a nonremovable, battery powered wristband. If someone goes missing, law enforcement can track them down using a radio transmitter.
RELATED ARTICLE: New Spectrum Alert system aims to enhance training and locate a missing person with autism
Law enforcement agencies from Palm Beach County to the Treasure Coast — including the Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) — have already partnered with the local nonprofit behind this technology. One key feature of the wristband is that it is waterproof, designed to withstand the realities of everyday life.
Looking ahead, Florida is preparing to launch a new statewide emergency alert system. The Spectrum Alert law — House Bill 711 — will take effect July 1, 2025, with full implementation by July 2026. Much like the Amber Alert and Silver Alert systems, Spectrum Alert will specifically help locate missing children with autism spectrum disorder.
New Spectrum Alert system aims to enhance training and locate a missing person with autism (WPEC)
This statewide alert system will notify the public when a child with autism goes missing — quickly spreading the word through news stations, highway signs, lottery terminals, and other channels. It also gives law enforcement the tools they need to act fast, along with training to respond with understanding and care.
Port St. Lucie police told CBS12 News they are already taking steps to implement these practices.
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