The Florida Spectrum Alert was established in 2025 (effective July 1, 2026) to enhance the safety and well-being of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through immediate and effective community and emergency response.

Children with autism spectrum disorder are prone to wander, or elope, from safe environments at a much higher rate than their non-autistic peers. Elopement often results in tragedy, including fatal traffic accidents and drownings. Children with autism spectrum disorder are often drawn to bodies of water, which poses a unique risk in Florida due to the prevalence of water in the environment.

The Spectrum Alert is intended to quickly mobilize the community to assist in locating and ensuring the safe recovery of missing children with autism spectrum disorder.

For more information, please reference the Spectrum Alert Criteria or contact MEPIC by phone at 1-888-356-4774.

Sign up to receive text or email alerts when a Spectrum Alert is activated.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Resources:

• Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
• PALS (Providing Autism Links & Support) Florida
• Crisis Response Intervention Training
• Agency for Persons with Disabilities
• Autism Society
• Autism Society of Florida
• Florida Alliance of Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)