It’s every parent’s nightmare—a child vanishes in a crowded city. For one mother visiting New York from Texas, that nightmare became a reality when her 7-year-old son, Ruwaid Karim, disappeared from a restaurant in Queens. Non-verbal and autistic, Ruwaid had slipped away in mere minutes while his mother stepped away, setting off a tense, hours-long search across one of the busiest cities in the world.
Miraculously, Ruwaid was found unharmed four miles away in Manhattan, thanks to the quick action of a Good Samaritan who noticed him walking dangerously close to traffic. He had one destination in mind: the Empire State Building. Driven by a love for New York landmarks and an exceptional memory for maps, this brave little boy had navigated city streets and the subway system entirely on his own.
Wandering Is Common—And Dangerous—for Autistic Children
Ruwaid’s story ended safely, but it sheds light on a very real and dangerous issue: elopement, or wandering, among children with autism. According to recent studies, nearly half of all autistic children attempt to wander from safe environments, often to pursue something they love or are fixated on—just like Ruwaid did.
The risk isn’t limited to getting lost. Wandering can lead to life-threatening situations, including traffic accidents, drowning, and encounters with strangers. For non-verbal children, the stakes are even higher because they may not be able to ask for help or communicate their needs. Families are left balancing constant vigilance with the hope that their child will experience some independence and joy.
The Right Support Can Make All the Difference
While no system can prevent every emergency, the right support can help children with autism develop safety awareness, communication tools, and behavior skills that reduce risk. Structured, evidence-based therapies like ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) are key to this process.
At Empower ABA, we help families build individualized programs that go beyond behavior correction—they foster connection, curiosity, and safety. For children like Ruwaid, top-rated ABA therapy services in New York can provide guidance and learning strategies that support both their passions and their protection.
Protecting Potential While Supporting Safety
Ruwaid’s story is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential inside every child on the spectrum—but also of the vulnerabilities that demand attention and care. Behind the headlines is a family who came terrifyingly close to tragedy, simply because their child followed a dream without understanding the dangers.
Get in touch today to learn how our top-rated ABA therapy services in New York can support your child’s development while prioritizing safety. We’re here to walk with your family every step of the way—because no one should have to navigate autism alone. Together, we can create a plan that honors your child’s strengths and protects their future.