Every month, seven children with autism die after wandering or running away.

Ruth remembers the first time her son ran away like it was yesterday.

No warning.
No goodbye.
Gone in seconds.

It’s called elopement. For families, it’s one of the scariest experiences.

This is a mini documentary: Autism’s Hidden Crisis: Running Away.

Ruth’s son, Alfred, was five the first time he eloped.

The reality behind a lot of quiet, everyday precautions for elopement is: locks on every door, fencing, someone watching at all times. For Ruth, the only time she really feels like she can relax is when her son is asleep.

It’s also why families like Ruth’s connect with local police before an emergency ever happens.

Thank you to Ruth, Alfred, The Autism Project and the Johnston Police Department for trusting us with this story.

As you’ll see, it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community pays attention to each other, to the families around us and to the people who show up when it matters most.