Reading another account of an autistic child, 11-year-old Alex Irvin, who found his way back to trailhead after three nights alone in the woods, I think back to the numerous stories about autistic children lost, wandering off, left behind that have been circulating this summer and conclude, I know why an autism consultant to Charlie’s school district talked about teaching kids to know when they are lost, and to know what to do (and what not to).
You’ve got to know you’re lost first, so you can look for help.

I got a new phone yesterday. I’d been hesitant to this for a long time. Even though I knew I’d be able to have my same phone number ported over to the new phone, that little voice that says “well, you never know, could be……” kept running an endless loop in my head.
Charlie, you see, has memorized my cell phone number and recites it perfectly. When we’re out in places like New York city, we’ve been placing a card with his name, mention of his having autism, and my cell number on his person. But if he knows the number, …read more