A group of Port St. Lucie residents rescued a 5-year-old autistic boy who wandered into a retention pond after leaving his home, preventing a potential tragedy.
The incident occurred on SW Kestor Drive, where Melinda Dryer and her sister were driving when they saw the child crossing the road. Dryer said the boy gave them a blank stare, and she knew something was wrong, especially considering the boy’s autism and the water.
Dryer and her sister quickly got out of their car, and other residents joined them. The boy started taking off his clothes in the water, and after about 10 minutes, the group managed to guide him out of the water to safety.
Autism and Water Safety
Alissa Magrum, the executive director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, said individuals with autism are significantly more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers. Magrum explained that children with autism are often drawn to water because it can be calming, but the risks are substantial.
Magrum said she is working with the Autism Society of America to release a water safety toolkit to help families with autistic individuals prepare for situations like this one. The goal is to educate parents and caregivers on how to prevent drowning or near-drowning incidents.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
