The community of Montgomery County is coming together in a collective effort to locate Fawzan Hassan, a 6-year-old boy with autism who went missing two days ago. According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, Fawzan was last seen in Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg, on Saturday afternoon.
Since his disappearance, emergency teams have been tirelessly searching the area and utilizing drones provided by the Maryland National Capital Police - Montgomery County. The boy, who is non-verbal, was reported to be wearing a green shirt, blue jeans, and blue and white sneakers. Efforts to find him have extended to asking residents to vigilantly check their surroundings, including yards and any unconventional spaces where a child might seek refuge. The public is encouraged to also review any home surveillance footage that might help to quickly identify the boy's location.
The stress of a missing child is felt acutely by a community—tightened throats and held breaths as time, ever indifferent, marches on. In these searching hours, the police have provided specific guidelines for approaching children like Fawzan if found. "Please call 911 right away," the Montgomery County Department of Police stated. When engaging with a non-verbal autistic child, it is crucial to maintain calmness and offer gentle, reassured tones, without expecting a verbal response.
When dealing with a lost child like Fawzan, it's important to stay calm and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might scare them. Instead, use visual cues or familiar objects to gently get their attention. Make sure the child is safe and secure until the police arrive.
The plea for community involvement marks a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent to our shared human experience. As the search proceeds, those with information regarding Fawzan Hassan's whereabouts are urged to contact emergency services immediately by calling 911, contributing to the hope that this young boy will be safely returned home.
