Florida parents of children with autism say a new law could save lives — and give families peace of mind.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 711 and Senate Bill 500 into law on June 6. Known as the “Spectrum Alert System,” the legislation goes into effect July 1 and creates a missing persons alert tailored specifically for children with autism. The alert will operate similarly to the existing AMBER and Silver Alert systems, quickly notifying the public through billboards, media, and emergency alerts.
“It’s a huge concern, and it is a huge risk every day. 24/7. They say parents’ cortisol levels are just as high as a combat soldier because we’re constantly on alert," said Victoria Warrenfeltz, a Naples mother of twin boys with autism.
Under the law, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Transportation, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Department of the Lottery, and local police departments will coordinate the alerts. When a child on the autism spectrum is reported missing, agencies must notify local media, on-duty officers, and neighboring counties.
The legislation also requires the FDLE to develop specialized training for law enforcement officers. The training will cover how to interact with autistic children and where they might go if they wander. Autistic children often flee from loud noises or bright lights and may be drawn to water, a frequent cause of accidental deaths.
“As a parent of special needs, it’s our worst fear. They’re so vulnerable, they don’t know safety. To have something in place to know that immediately there’ll be communication put out, that's amazing," said Warrenfeltz.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 481 children with autism were reported missing in 2024. About 74% were found within a week, but not all children come home safely. The Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County reported 34 drownings among autistic children in Florida last year.
“They have no clue that people can hurt them, or things can hurt them. They wouldn’t know how to cross the street. They would be susceptible to anybody that could do them harm," said Warrenfeltz.
A recent case in Florida occurred in November of 2024, when deputies found a missing 7-year-old autistic boy after he drowned in a retention pond in Fort Myers.
“It can make the difference of saving a life or not,” said Warrenfeltz.
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