Autistic Young Man Lost In West Virginia Wilderness
October 18, 2007
Jacob Allen who is described as a severely autistic 18 year old young man is missing in the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area since he wandered off while hiking with his parents on Sunday.
Having worked with individuals who have autism I can tell you that it is a challenging disability;
:: Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3.
:: Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
:: Individuals with autism often suffer from numerous physical ailments which may include: allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, and more.
:: Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socio-economic status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S. the occurrence has climbed to an alarming one in 150 people across the country.
:: Autism does not affect life expectancy. Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment, the diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved.
National Autism Association
I have had some experience searching for individuals with Autism after they have become lost, but nothing on the scale of this search, and often we would find them close to where they were last seen. Often times the area had been checked by a few different searchers and the individual with autism sat motionless and never responded to the searcher calling out to them.
My heart goes out to Jacob Allen’s parents and I hope searchers find him soon. Searchers are using both conventional and unconventional methods to try to find Jacob. At night they are building campfires throughout the search area hoping that he’ll see one and wander in to camp. They are also offering him candy as they call out to him as they search.
Unlike the story of Michael Auberry, missing special needs boy scout, earlier this year, where Michael was verbal and had some skills to help him while he was lost Jacob’s disabilities are much more sever and likely are a hindrance to his rescue.
We pray for the safety of all involved in this search and rescue effort and for a good outcome. I’ll keep you posted as this story develops.
Moose Droppings is a place that chronicles my journey, I’ll explore new places and ideas I’ll learn new things and I’ll teach the things I’ve learned to others. Join me on the adventure and hopefully it will help you in your outdoor endeavors.
I’ll definitely keep this young man and his family in my thoughts. I hope they find him soon.
[...] hiking boots that Jacob Allen is wearing are LL Bean Ridge Runners size 9 medium dark kaki color with serial number TK48993. LL [...]
Jacob was found!!! Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers!
[...] prayers were answered today when Jacob Allen was located by searchers in the Dolly Sods Wilderness alive and doing fairly well. Little is being [...]
[...] …We pray for the safety of all involved in this search and rescue effort and for a good outcome.http://skinnymoose.com/moosedroppings/2007/10/18/autistic-young-man-lost-in-west-virginia-wilderness…Deer Run Sheep Farm: natural colored and white Coopworth sheep and …If you do this fine, but [...]