Hello Florida families,
We have an important safety update for you. As of July 1, 2026, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has officially launched the “Spectrum Alert” system.
This new alert is specifically designed to help quickly locate children and adults with autism spectrum disorder who wander or elope from safe environments. We know elopement is a major concern for many of our families, especially with the prevalence of water in Florida, so having a dedicated alert system is a big step forward for our community’s safety.
Similar to an AMBER Alert or Silver Alert, the Spectrum Alert will rapidly mobilize community members and emergency responders when a vulnerable individual with autism goes missing.
What you can do right now:
You can sign up to receive text or email notifications whenever a Spectrum Alert is activated in your area. We highly encourage everyone to opt in, as community awareness is the fastest way to bring a wandering child home safely.
You can learn more about the criteria for the alert and sign up for notifications directly on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website.
Warmly,
The Autism Pathways Team