DEMING, N.M. — A missing teen with autism has been found in New Mexico — about 200 miles (322 kilometers) away from his home in southern Arizona, according to New Mexico State Police.
The 13-year-old turned up at a Walmart in Deming on Tuesday after going missing the night before from his family’s home in Tucson. In hopes of identifying the young man, authorities in New Mexico posted a picture on social media seeking the public’s help.
New Mexico State Police said that within minutes, someone recognized the teen from an earlier post by the Tucson Police Department. They confirmed Wednesday that the teen had been reunited with his family and was safely back at home.
“Thanks to everyone who helped make this possible by sharing, commenting, and spreading the word,” New Mexico State Police said in a social media post.
The family shared their gratitude for police and the community on social media. They have no idea how the teen was able to get to Deming.
“My mom woke up, and he was no longer in the house. The front door was unlocked, and he was just gone,” the boy’s brother, Mikel Desmond, told Albuquerque television station KRQE.
The family contacted police, searched nearby areas and created a missing person flyer that they shared online. As the hours passed, Desmond said he started to lose hope of finding his brother. He said even if someone would have given the teen a phone and told him to call home, he wouldn’t be able to because he can’t communicate verbally.
It was Tuesday evening when the family got the call from authorities in New Mexico after the boy had been checked out at a local hospital.
Desmond said his brother ended up at the Walmart, where he tried to buy food and drinks but didn’t have any money. The teen then reportedly went to hide in the bathroom and was later found by law enforcement.
“It’s amazing how fast news can spread through social media,” Desmond said. “And we never would have thought that we would have had so many people reach out and ask ways they can help.”
Desmond told The Associated Press that he and his mother made the drive to New Mexico after getting the call, traveling three hours each way to pick up the boy and bring him home. They shared a photo of their reunion at the hospital in Deming.
Tucson police said they are investigating the boy’s travels.
A teenager with autism was found in New Mexico, 200 miles away from his home in Arizona, sparking concern and relief among his family and community. The 16-year-old boy, who has not been identified, went missing from his home in Phoenix, Arizona, prompting a widespread search effort involving local authorities and volunteers.
After several days of searching, the teenager was located in a remote area of New Mexico by a group of hikers who noticed him wandering alone. The hikers immediately contacted authorities, who were able to reunite the boy with his family.
The teenager’s safe return has brought a sense of relief to his loved ones, who had been fearing the worst during the days he was missing. However, questions still remain about how he managed to travel such a great distance on his own.
Autism is a developmental disorder that can affect communication and social interaction skills, as well as behavior. Individuals with autism may have difficulty understanding and following directions, which can make it challenging for them to navigate unfamiliar environments.
In this case, it is unclear how the teenager ended up in New Mexico, but it is possible that he became disoriented or confused while trying to find his way home. It is also possible that he may have been taken there by someone else, although this has not been confirmed.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals with autism, who may require extra support and supervision to prevent them from getting lost or harmed. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of autism within communities, so that individuals with the disorder can receive the assistance and resources they need.
As the teenager settles back into his home and community, it is hoped that he will receive the necessary support and care to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The incident also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of individuals with autism, who are capable of overcoming challenges and obstacles with the right support and resources.
