After the deaths of two young children with autism in the last two months, local organizations and companies in Lowell are coming together to promote ways to keep kids safe this summer.
The first tragic incident occurred in May, when 4-year-old Mohamed Fofana went missing from Castle Island in South Boston. His body was later recovered on the shoreline of Spectacle Island. Mohamed’s family revealed that he was on the autism spectrum.
More recently, the body of 7-year-old Anna Mburu from Lowell was tragically found in the Merrimack River. Anna, who had autism and was nonverbal, went missing from her home on Sunday afternoon. These heart-wrenching incidents have prompted the community to take action and raise awareness about water safety for children with special needs.
One of the initiatives being implemented is a program started by Dighton Police Patrolman Aaron Swartz. Inspired by his 5-year-old nephew Jackson, who has autism and is nonverbal, Swartz created a database within the Dighton Police Department. This database allows families and caregivers to provide specific details about their loved ones with special needs, such as places they might go if lost, signs of increased anger or anxiety, and triggers for police to avoid. In case of an emergency call related to one of these individuals, Dighton dispatch is immediately alerted and can provide first responders with crucial information.
Another company, SafetyNet Tracking Systems, is promoting its technology as a way to save lives. They offer body-worn radio frequency tracking devices that can be attached to the wrist or ankle of people with special needs. These devices are operated by law enforcement or public safety agencies and have been proven to significantly reduce search times. While the cost of the device can be up to $499 per year, funding is available for families who apply through organizations like Northeast Arc or other autism support centers.
Additionally, local YMCA branches, including Taunton’s YMCA, provide adaptive swim lessons to children with special needs. These lessons aim to teach kids safety skills around water, empowering them to communicate effectively and understand hand movements to ensure their safety during water-related activities. This year alone, 250 kids have taken advantage of these adaptive swim lessons.
The collaborative efforts of these local organizations and companies highlight the importance of ensuring the safety of children with autism and other special needs, especially during the summer months. By implementing programs, utilizing tracking devices, and providing adaptive swim lessons, the community is taking proactive measures to prevent tragic incidents and protect the well-being of these vulnerable children.
