Toddler With Autism Wanders and Perishes
This senseless tragedy has been brought to you by autism. Our hearts go out to the family of Aiden Johnson, age 3.
From 4029TV.com (link has been removed on the 4029 site.) in Osage, Arkansas:
Osage, Ark. -- Officials in Carroll County said the body of 3-year-old was found by search parties near Osage Creek Tuesday afternoon.
The boy has been missing from the area of County Road 924 near Osage since about 4:30 p.m. Monday, police said. Authorities called helicopters to continue the search Monday night.
The Carroll County judge said the initial cause of death is drowning.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Aiden's family and nothing and noone escape the watchful eyes of God.
Posted by: Rich | April 24, 2010 at 10:44 PM
One child in my caseload age 8 with autism wandered despite substantial locks on all the doors in her house. She was found chest deep in a rushing river in spring time, just in time, and was pulled out. She was mesmerized by water and often wanted to watch the river. It was a close call. I am so very sorry and sad to hear that Aiden was not this fortunate. Indeed, how can Offit and Gerberding sleep at night.
Posted by: Judy Converse MPH RD LD | April 21, 2010 at 11:15 PM
My heart aches evry time a child with autism is missing and borken when I hear that he /she is lost forever or dead.
I am a mother of Zaki who just turned 7 but believe it or not I can't even sleep well. I ahve to check on him periodically to make sure that he does not wander away, I ahve special locks and I avoid water fountains, lakes, beach and even water beds, anything that has water will trigger his attention, tantrum, .... very uncontrollable behaviors.
My deepest condoleances to the family and Baby Aike rest in Peace!!!!!
ALL THOSE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE,PLEASE THINK ABOUT US, STOP BEING SELFISH CARELESS.
THIS IS SERIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAKE UP GUYS, YOU ARE KILLING OUR KIDS ONE AT A TIME.
Posted by: Mariame Boujlil | April 21, 2010 at 04:22 PM
My heart aches evry time a child with autism is missing and borken when I hear that he /she is lost forever or dead.
I am a mother of Zaki who just turned 7 but believe it or not I can't even sleep well. I ahve to check on him periodically to make sure that he does not wander away, I ahve special locks and I avoid water fountains, lakes, beach and even water beds, anything that has water will trigger his attention, tantrum, .... very uncontrollable behaviors.
My deepest condoleances to the family and Baby Aike rest in Peace!!!!!
ALL THOSE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE,PLEASE THINK ABOUT US, STOP BEING SELFISH CARELESS.
THIS IS SERIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAKE UP GUYS, YOU ARE KILLING OUR KIDS ONE AT A TIME.
Posted by: Mariame | April 21, 2010 at 04:21 PM
Went missing from his grandparents house, slipped away around 3:30 in the afternoon, they had over 500 people searching, two helicopters, another large group went out Tuesday morning and shortly after found him in a creek.
The entire community is heartbroken.
Posted by: bensmyson | April 21, 2010 at 02:40 PM
We expect Ari Ne'emans' heartfelt response to this tragedy any moment. Don't we? Don't we?
Posted by: Stagmom | April 21, 2010 at 12:45 PM
This is so awful - there are no words for it. This beautiful boy is in the morgue, and Offit is home lighting his cigars with hundred dollar bills. Julie Gerberding is looking at the 2011 BMW catalogue. Marie McCormick is planning her summer in the Hamptons. Gardner Harris is polishing his awards for fine "journalism". The world is definitely not a fair place. My heart aches for Aiden's family. I hope they can find some sort of peace someday.
Posted by: Sylvia | April 21, 2010 at 12:34 PM
So sad -- and how much play did this get on the news as opposed to the 12-year-old girl who was found? The disparity unfortunately emphasizes the "good news," when the truth is autism is just about uniformly awful.
Posted by: dan olmsted | April 21, 2010 at 10:52 AM
As a mom of an 11 year old Autistic son, I cannot imagine the loss, under any circumstances. It's difficult to understand why things happen and I know people would like to believe everything happens for a reason; maybe it does, but it does not take away the pain for the parents of this beautiful child. If the parents are reading this; please believe this is not your fault and please dont try and go back in your thoughts because everything is 20/20 after the fact. Aiden was a beautiful child and allow him to remain so in your hearts. I know he is with you and would want you to know he is now happy and playing somewhere with his new friends who will protect him until you see him again. Believe you will be with him someday and live your life now with that thought in mind. If you hold him close to your hearts and thoughts, he will be with you always! God Bless you and little Aiden is in the hands of our Father, holding him close for you until you are together again.
Posted by: Stacie Nelson | April 21, 2010 at 10:48 AM
As many know, I am a safety advocate. As a result, I get every horrific story sent to me. This is yet another tragic one. I get at least one a day. Sometimes more. They involve everything from death and wrongful incarceration to happy rescues. I feel a punch in the gut most times they cross my desk.
If we don't get our own act together in the autism community, shame on us. Everyone caring for someone with a diagnosis or those with autism who are themselves able to deal with the issues should study and prioritize safety techniques (Hint: swimming lessons...early.)
Many of us have spent countless hours advocating and training first responders (with great traction...they get it) but remain frustrated that many parents and caregivers, especially those dealing with new diagnoses, don't understand that they need to be very proactive to manage and minimize risk.
Whether this story is an example or not, national expert Dennis Debbaudt says it best, "The first time is often the worst time."
Get up to speed on the issues:
www.autismsafetyproject.org
Posted by: Dadvocate | April 21, 2010 at 08:59 AM
Hugs and prayers for this tragic loss. I am so sorry.
Posted by: Lisa @ TACA | April 21, 2010 at 01:41 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with dear Aiden's family.
Good night all.
Posted by: Henderson | April 21, 2010 at 12:40 AM
Sleep sweetly little man, God be with this family.
Posted by: DawnDannysmom | April 21, 2010 at 12:33 AM
Rest in peace baby Aidan. My your family feel the hugs and comfort in the arms of all of us who understand and know how it could of been one of us. Family of Aiden you are in our prayers.
(¯`♥´¯)
` *.¸.*´ All my love.
Kat, mom of a son with Asberger's
Posted by: Kathryn J. Stiles Cook | April 20, 2010 at 11:47 PM
...RIP Aiden
Posted by: AL | April 20, 2010 at 11:47 PM
God Bless the newest angel in Heaven ...and may he comfort the family in their time of grief...
Posted by: htbenz | April 20, 2010 at 11:32 PM
AUTISM is fatal even if our children don,t perish. You are not supposed to out live your child. GOD bless this angel.
Posted by: Brent Remington | April 20, 2010 at 11:27 PM
How awful, our prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Posted by: Dana | April 20, 2010 at 11:25 PM
My son Aidan is 5 and I pray for his safety every day. This is heartbreaking. I am praying for his family!
Posted by: Dede Moore | April 20, 2010 at 11:19 PM
I'm so sad. May you rest in peace, Aiden. Prayers for your family...
Posted by: Cathy Jameson | April 20, 2010 at 11:14 PM
Our hearts go out to the family. Losing your child is so horrendous, we know personally. He is still with you but no longer confined by his Autism.
Posted by: Therese Holliday | April 20, 2010 at 11:13 PM
So sad...I feel for the family..
Posted by: Judith | April 20, 2010 at 10:24 PM
My son took off several times from me, and it was very frightening until I found him. Love and prayers to the family.
Posted by: Heidi N | April 20, 2010 at 10:24 PM
Another innocent victim of the big lie. My heart goes out to this family.
Posted by: Amanda Blinn | April 20, 2010 at 10:18 PM
I swear... the leading cause of death for our kids has to be accidental drowning.
Posted by: Jenny W | April 20, 2010 at 10:16 PM
My heart goes out to Aidan and his family. Why do people keep saying autism is not fatal? God bless us all.
Posted by: Teresa Conrick | April 20, 2010 at 10:16 PM
Rest in Peace Sweet baby.
Posted by: rileysmom | April 20, 2010 at 09:39 PM