Found Deceased OH - Joshua Al-Lateef Jr, 6, Autistic, Non-Verbal, may not respond, last seen 5:30pm near home on Wyndtree Dr, West Chester, 20 Nov 2024

[momsof3]

So I work with children and adults with disabilities, though my current clients are older than this little fellow. We're always going to see more boys with the diagnosis bc the dx is harder to get for girls. (Don't get me started...) This apparent increase in the number of elopements is what's got me concerned. If I were to lose a client it would be a HUGE MEGA GIANT deal. Now, if the investigation were to clear me, I wouldn't necessarily be found liable in any way, but best believe an investigation there would be. If these kids are receiving services at all through their area's ARC/department of IDD/whatever, any elopement would be a ton of attention and paperwork. Anyone who works/lives with these kids knows this. So I don't understand HOW these elopements are all of a sudden happening like crazy. I can understand maybe one kid getting past their caregivers, but this many? Something is strange. IMO MOO ABC XYZ etc. ETA wanted to address Tealgrove's question about autistic folks and sundowner syndrome. I haven't seen such a case myself but I wouldn't say it's impossible. I'd sooner think that sundown is when family life gets super busy- caring for other kids, fixing dinner, etc- and they take advantage of the caregivers being occupied to escape.

Or maybe it happens later in the day because these kids are in school for most of the day, and as you so well explained, any elopement would be a huge deal so there are many more "safety features" in place at a school. Fingers crossed that Joshua has a found a warm, DRY place and is hiding. The locals on this thread talking about how cold it is has me feeling pessimistic.

ETA - the LE and community response does give me some optimism. It seems like a much more extensive and wide-spread response than happened with the other recent eloping Josh.

 

[swanniee11]

Photo's from the Mulhauser Barn ( meeting place) nice turnout so far.

Mulhauser Barn

www.facebook.com

adding weather station. 34 degrees and snow showers

https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/West+Chester+OH?canonicalCityId=47a000876934c51f472f0a62d73bf18b02885d6ea3dd06a0c3562f4fd0876652

 

[tlcya]

the response appears to have been quick and I am pleased to see so many volunteers. The weather worries me. Glad to see that almost immediately they asked that people check their own properties, ring cameras, outbuildings, vehicles, etc.

With Josh being non verbal it makes the search for him that much more difficult.

 

[tlcya]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1859638481917706283

https://twitter.com/x/status/1859638484149076187

two lakes have been searched - five more to go today

 

[Deleted member 296739]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1859638481917706283

https://twitter.com/x/status/1859638484149076187

two lakes have been searched - five more to go today

That’s a LOT of water

 

[tlcya]

Steven Albritton
@StevenAlbritton
There will be an update on the search for 7yo Joshua Altheef Jr. at 1130am from West Chester. We'll be taking it live on
@wlwt

https://twitter.com/x/status/1859621688410779973

 

[tlcya]

https://x.com/StevenAlbritton
8m
@StevenAlbritton
and
@WLWT

Weather not cooperating to use air assets like OSHP aerial thermal imaging. Even some drones are having issues. Chief of PD - No reason to believe foul play at this point. Focus is on finding Joshua.
@WLWT

 

[NewMommy09]

the response appears to have been quick and I am pleased to see so many volunteers. The weather worries me. Glad to see that almost immediately they asked that people check their own properties, ring cameras, outbuildings, vehicles, etc.

With Josh being non verbal it makes the search for him that much more difficult.

I've seen in similar cases where a bullhorn is used to play either a comforting message from a parent or loved one, or a cartoon or song etc that the child might respond to and would be soothed out of hiding by. I would really love to see this method get used more in cases of non verbal autistic elopements. I hope Josh is found very soon, safe and healthy, and safety plans for the future can be reevaluated.

Overall, there are just way too many of these cases and they end up in all kinds of ways but one thing that seems to always be present is that the families really need more support and resources. Being a full time care taker of anyone who isn't fully self sufficient can wear a person down so fast. Caring for elderly parents, often with dementia or Alzheimer's etc too. Most of these parents, adult children or caretakers have been running on empty for awhile. It saddens me so much for all involved.

 

[tlcya]

Update, 12:06 p.m.: Roughly 300 volunteers have assisted West Chester Township officials in searching for a 7-year-old boy who went missing Wednesday evening.

Divers combed through five lakes Thursday morning at the Lakefront apartment complex where Joshua Altheef Jr. went missing and nothing has been found, said West Chester Township Fire Chief Rick Prinz. The property has a total of eight lakes.

Two of the lakes were searched overnight with no signs of Joshua, Prinz said, adding the remaining lakes still need to be searched and secondary searches will be conducted to ensure nothing was missed.

Prinz said it's "difficult to see anything in those water conditions." He added that teams will eventually search bodies of water adjacent to the Lakefront property.
West Chester police give update on search for missing 7-year-pld

8 lakes and then more adjacent to that area

 

[tlcya]

I so hope he didn't get wet. Even if not drowned and still in one of the many lakes, if he got wet and then was still out in that cold last night exposure is a serious concern. I want this little guy found. My oldest is named Joshua. Hard to follow the Joshua McCoy case and then have him found dead.

I really want a better outcome for this Josh

 

[NewMommy09]

Looking at Josh's pictures, he looks like a truly joyful child. He's always smiling and his smile meets his eyes. Where are you Josh???

 

[swanniee11]

I would think they are also checking the RSO's in the area just in case. IMO

 

[IceIce9]

Coroner rules 6-year-old West Chester boy died of accidental drowning

The body of a missing 6-year-old West Chester boy with autism was recovered Thursday night after more than 24 hours of searching.

www.wlwt.com

According to police, 6-year-old Joshua Altheef Jr., was last seen at his home on Wyndtree Drive around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Joshua's parents say he made contact with the family after getting off the bus Wednesday, but left the home shortly after and has not been seen since.

According to 911 calls, Joshua's brother and mother called 911 to report him missing. His brother and sister said he was picked up from the bus stop by his dad. His mother also called 911 crying, saying her son is missing and that there's water behind her apartment, but he's never been close to it but that he likes water

 

[Palisades]

Coroner rules 6-year-old West Chester boy died of accidental drowning

The body of a missing 6-year-old West Chester boy with autism was recovered Thursday night after more than 24 hours of searching.

www.wlwt.com

According to police, 6-year-old Joshua Altheef Jr., was last seen at his home on Wyndtree Drive around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Joshua's parents say he made contact with the family after getting off the bus Wednesday, but left the home shortly after and has not been seen since.

According to 911 calls, Joshua's brother and mother called 911 to report him missing. His brother and sister said he was picked up from the bus stop by his dad. His mother also called 911 crying, saying her son is missing and that there's water behind her apartment, but he's never been close to it but that he likes water

Has autism, turns 7 next week, 8 bodies of water in the immediate area. Police do not suspect fpul play right now, asking residents to check cameras.

 

[moonriverfarm]

Why are these children drawn to water?

 

[Deleted member 296739]

Why are these children drawn to water

I don’t think they know…

“No one knows exactly why children with autism tend to be attracted to water, but many experts think that it has to do with the glimmer of light on the surface of the water or the comforting sensation of being surrounded by water.”

The Importance of Water Safety for Households with Autistic Children - YMCA of Central Florida

Discover water safety tips for children with autism. Learn how to create a secure environment and essential swimming skills.

ymcacf.org

 

[Moonstrawbs]

Hope he's found okay, so sad to see so many similar situations lately. It's heart wrenching. Jmo.

 

[Deleted member 296739]

Hope he's found okay, so sad to see so many similar situations lately. It's heart wrenching. Jmo.

I know, all missing children are sad, the non verbal ones really break my heart… they are so vulnerable

 

[Mysti88c]

Photo's from the Mulhauser Barn ( meeting place) nice turnout so far.

Mulhauser Barn

www.facebook.com

adding weather station. 34 degrees and snow showers

https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/West+Chester+OH?canonicalCityId=47a000876934c51f472f0a62d73bf18b02885d6ea3dd06a0c3562f4fd0876652

I grew up in Butler County. So many nice people
Great to see the turnout

 

[tlcya]

Editor's note: Officials previously said the boy was 7 years old and provided a different spelling for his last name. This story has been updated to reflect the correct spelling and correct age.

Crews are still searching for a 6-year-old boy with autism who was reported missing from West Chester Wednesday night.

Police said Joshua Al-Lateef Jr. was last seen near his home on Wyndtree Drive. He had been dropped off earlier in the day by his bus driver and had been with his adult sister. He was then reported missing to police at around 5:30 p.m.
Search continues for 6-year-old boy with autism reported missing from West Chester


ETA they are swapping out volunteers in shifts. those who wish to volunteer tonight are asked to be there by 6pm and bring a flashlight.

I have reported this post and requested the thread title be corrected accordingly