A young child, believed to be autistic and found wandering alone in Minneapolis, has been safely reunited with their family thanks to the coordinated efforts of local police and Child Protective Services. The Minneapolis Police Department detailed the incident on their Facebook page, recounting how officers from MPD's 3rd Precinct were dispatched in response to the situation.
Upon arrival, officers engaged with neighbors in an attempt to locate the child's family, but none among them knew where the child lived. Arriving on the scene, Child Protective Services was contacted to provide assistance. A break came when a call reporting a missing child was received, culminating in the prompt reunion of the lost with their concerned parent.
The MPD emphasized the importance of engaging with a potentially autistic child in a certain manner. "Stay calm and speak gently," the department advised on their Facebook post, "Don’t expect eye contact or quick answers." Additional recommendations included keeping the child away from dangers such as streets and water, calling 911 with detailed information, avoiding unnecessary physical contact, and allowing the child to lead communication.
When encountering a child who appears to be autistic and seems lost, it's vital to adhere to these guidelines provided by law enforcement. Minneapolis has demonstrated through this successful resolution that informed community care, paired with professional intervention, can safeguard the well-being of the most vulnerable among us. Thanks to the "quick teamwork," as lauded by the MPD, a possible crisis was averted with the child returning safely home, all involved doing a "Great job," as shared on their social feed.
