Every Second Counts — Support the Joshua Alert and Save Lives
147 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Autism Site
Children with autism are dying because of delayed alerts—act now to demand the Joshua Alert and protect vulnerable lives before another family suffers this preventable heartbreak.
Every moment counts when a child goes missing, but for children with autism, those moments can mean the difference between life and death. In November 2024, six-year-old Joshua Al-Lateef Jr., a nonverbal autistic child, wandered from his Ohio home and was tragically found drowned in a retention pond1. His family’s unimaginable loss has sparked a call for change—a nationwide alert system to help locate missing children with autism: the Joshua Alert.
Why the Joshua Alert is Essential
Children with autism are at a significantly higher risk of wandering, often drawn to water. The National Autism Association reports their drowning risk is more than 160 times higher than neurotypical children2. Despite this alarming statistic, current systems like the Amber Alert do not address the specific challenges of locating autistic children, as they require evidence of abduction3. In Joshua’s case, the first community-wide notification came five hours after he was reported missing—an unforgivable delay4.
The Joshua Alert would change this by sending immediate notifications to the community when a child with autism is reported missing. This targeted system would ensure faster responses, mobilizing search efforts when every second matters. By focusing on children with spectrum disorders, the Joshua Alert addresses a critical gap in public safety.
The Tragic Consequences of Delay
In Joshua’s case, initial alerts relied on outdated methods like reverse 911 calls, which only reached landlines. An IPAWS alert was issued hours later, marking the first live use of the system in Butler County5. However, the delay and lack of autism-specific protocols proved fatal. His family believes a system like the Joshua Alert could have saved him1. This isn’t an isolated incident. Since 2015, at least three other children with autism in the Greater Cincinnati area have drowned after wandering2. Families across the country face similar risks, and without a dedicated system, these tragedies will continue. ### Action is Within Reach
The Joshua Alert is not just an idea; it is a practical solution supported by families, advocates, and lawmakers. Ohio state senator Cecil Thomas has pledged to sponsor a bill to implement the alert, citing bipartisan support for protecting vulnerable children. Kentucky’s similar autism-specific alert, enacted in 2022, has already proven its value4.
Joshua’s family has launched a petition to ensure this lifesaving system is implemented nationwide. They are determined to turn their pain into progress, sparing other families from enduring such devastating loss. ### How You Can Help
Your signature can save lives. By supporting the creation of the Joshua Alert, you’re advocating for immediate, targeted action to protect autistic children. No family should face the unbearable grief of losing a child due to gaps in safety systems. Together, we can ensure that every child is given the chance to come home safely. Sign the petition now to help make the Joshua Alert a reality.
- Alex Null, WCPO (27 November 2024), "On what would've been his 7th birthday, family of boy who drowned hopes to turn tragedy into change."
- Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer (27 November 2024), "Family of Joshua Al-Lateef wants special alert for children with autism."
- Alexis Martin, FOX 19 (26 November 2024), "Family of autistic 6-year-old working to create change after Tri-State tragedy,."
- Brian Hamrick, WLWT (25 November 2024), "Family of boy who died in pond push for alert to protect kids with autism in Ohio."
- Marlena Lang, Hamilton Journal (30 November 2024), "Community continues to provide support for family of 6-year-old boy who drowned."
The Petition:
To the members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC),
We, the undersigned, call upon you to take urgent action to create and implement the Joshua Alert, a critical safety measure to help locate missing children with autism spectrum disorders. This alert system would act as a rapid notification network, tailored to the unique needs of children prone to wandering, ensuring that communities can mobilize immediately to prevent tragedies.
The devastating loss of six-year-old Joshua Al-Lateef Jr. in West Chester, Ohio, after he wandered from his home and drowned in a retention pond, underscores the urgent need for this measure. Current alert systems, while effective in some cases, are not designed to address the specific vulnerabilities of children with autism. For children like Joshua, who are nonverbal or have difficulty responding to their names, rapid response is not just a necessity—it is a matter of life and death.
Research shows that children with autism are at a dramatically higher risk of wandering and drowning, with their risk of drowning being 160 times greater than neurotypical children. Despite these statistics, there remains no nationally recognized alert system to address this pressing issue. The Joshua Alert would bridge this gap by leveraging modern alert infrastructure to notify communities the moment a child with autism is reported missing.
This is not just a matter of safety; it is a matter of compassion and humanity. Children with autism are beloved members of our communities, and their safety must be a shared responsibility. By implementing the Joshua Alert, you can help prevent unspeakable tragedies and offer peace of mind to countless families across the United States.
We urge you to prioritize the creation of this lifesaving system. By doing so, you will not only protect the lives of vulnerable children but also demonstrate a commitment to a society where every child is valued and safeguarded.
Let us ensure a better future for all—one where no family must endure the pain of losing a child due to gaps in our public safety systems. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate nation.
Sincerely,
