[ACCESSWIRE]
Devices will Help Prevent Avoidable Situations
SOUTHFIELD, MI / ACCESSWIRE / July 14, 2015 / Families dealing with autism can avoid dangerous situations by utilizing a program distributing Amber Alert GPS devices, sponsored by the Autism Alliance of Michigan.
Through the program, families with demonstrated need may receive Amber Alert GPS tracking devices for an individual with autism at no cost. In addition, the donation-funded program covers service plan costs for one year. These devices are provided and monitored 24 hours per day through the Amber Alert system. If a child attempts to wander, an alert is activated before he or she enters a dangerous situation.
In summer months, wandering is an elevated risk with the draw of bodies of water for many children on the autism spectrum, with 91 percent of wandering-related deaths due to drowning, according to the National Autism Association.
AAoM is now reminding families to utilize this program, in light of the recent tragedy where Omarian Humphrey, a 9-year-old boy with autism from Davison, went missing and subsequently drowned in a nearby lake.
"With nearly 50 percent of children with autism likely to wander from a safe environment, a GPS device allows parents and first responders to immediately start tracking the child, which we know can prevent tragedies," said Sgt. Scott Shuelke, safety specialist for AAoM.
The program honors the memory of Sean Taglione, a 12-year-old boy with autism who was killed in a pedestrian motor vehicle accident after he had unknowingly wandered from home. The Taglione family, along with AAoM and program supporters, have made it their mission to supply GPS units to avoid similar tragedies. Anne Taglione, mother of Sean, said, "We are very saddened by the news and our prayers go out to the family. We hope the Sean Taglione GPS Memorial Program will help minimize these tragedies in the future."
To learn more about GPS devices for individuals with autism or to apply for the GPS Award Program, visit http://autismallianceofmichigan.org/ or call 877-436-AAOM.
SOURCE: Autism Alliance of Michigan
