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NewsNBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – Local NewsJuly 2, 2026Florida

Florida Launches New 'Spectrum Alert' for Missing Children with Autism

Florida has introduced the 'Spectrum Alert,' a new emergency notification system specifically designed to help locate missing children with autism spectrum disorder. The alert system aims to address the high risk of wandering and potential dangers, such as drowning, associated with children on the spectrum.

public safetyautismemergency alertsFloridachild welfare
Read the full story at NBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – Local News

Why It Matters

Starting July 1, 2025, law enforcement agencies in Florida have a new tool to broadcast emergency information to the public to assist in the recovery of missing children with autism.

Key Facts

  • The Spectrum Alert system officially launched in Florida on July 1, 2025.
  • The alert is specifically designed to assist in locating missing children with autism spectrum disorder.
  • The Spectrum Alert is now one of six total emergency alert systems operating in Florida.
  • According to the Children Service Council of Palm Beach County, 38 children with autism or suspected autism drowned in Florida in 2025.
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement reports that children with autism are prone to wandering at higher rates than neurotypical children.
  • The alert system was created in response to the specific risks of elopement, including traffic accidents and drownings in bodies of water.

Who's Mentioned

organizationFlorida Department of Law Enforcement“The state agency responsible for the alert system.”organizationChildren Service Council of Palm Beach County“Provided data regarding drowning statistics for children with autism.”