Starting July 1, Florida will have a new type of emergency alert: The Spectrum Alert.
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The Spectrum Alert is designed to rapidly engage the community to help in locating and ensuring the safe recovery of missing children with autism spectrum disorder.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), children with autism are prone to wander at a higher rate compared to children who are not on the spectrum. FDLE said kids with autism are also usually drawn to bodies of water which is particularly alarming to Florida since water is prevalent throughout the state.
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“Elopement often results in tragedy, including fatal traffic accidents and drownings,” FDLE said.
According to Children Service Council of Palm Beach County, 38 children with autism or suspected to be autistic drowned in Florida in 2025.
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The Spectrum alert is now one of six Florida Emergency alerts.