WA WA - Jonathan Hoang, 21, High-functioning Autism, left home w/o jacket, shoes or phone, 114th Dr NE, seen on Burn Rd, Arlington, 30 Mar 2025

[VoidHope]

I am a person, around Jonathan's age, who is also on the Autism spectrum. I know people along the spectrum can have different experiences but I'm hoping my perspective could help in some way.

I, unfortunately, think the theory that someone pursuaded him to come outside could have some merit.

While people with autism generally stick to routines, how strictly routines are followed can vary depending on the individual. In my experience, ertain things can override a routine if they are considered "important" enough.

I personally also have items that I almost never leave my house without (in a similar fashion to Jonathan's jacket and phone) unless I have something planned that doesn't need those items (unlikely), or if I'm stepping out of the house for just a second. With the understanding that Jonathan's jacket is a comfort item, it doesn't seem likely he was planning to go very far. I have headphones that can help me deal with overstimulation that I never leave the house without. Considering this, I think the possibility that Jonathan wasn't planning on leaving should be carefully considered.

Another thing is that autistic individuals can have some trouble picking up social cues or interpreting intentions. I've had a lot of trouble with this throughout my life, even as I've gotten older and started trying to recognize the patterns. People can just be so unpredictable. So I believe a scenario in which Jonathan was tricked outside is a realistic possibility.

Unfortunately, I don't think I have anything else I can use to help out with here right now, but I hope it's something...

I'd be happy to answer questions about either my experience as an autistic individual or things I have learned about autism in general if it might help bring Jonathan home. I also have a network of medical professionals I could ask questions to.

 

[VoidHope]

Me Recapping and then explanation is last point here:

- he went missing March 30/March 31 with none of the items he typically takes with him in autism rigidity and took something (iPad) that he doesn’t usually take
- extensive Search teams including dogs concluded that he didn’t leave the payment
- he also didn’t leave by walking out of the community on the pavement
- July 1 - a young man that is wearing what Jonathan last had wore and was making similar stun noises was seen in video at a similar address only 45 minutes away and down the road from that area trying to use a porta potty.

like I said up thread I was really hoping he wandered but this feels much more nefarious. He likely had to leave in a vehicle. So imo:
- he was talking to someone on the iPad and met them outside
- as someone else mentioned, someone came to the door
- family isn’t fully honest but they seem to be amazing so I don’t feel it’s this
- went outside and was out of routine so had a bit of meltdown and someone picked him up

Either way he ether got out or was dropped in an area 45 minutes from home.

I struggle to believe that’s all of the video they have of him from his neighborhood or where he was seen in July.

Something in the story is missing.

I see now. Given the clues and at least my experience with autism, I agree it's very likely someone took him....

Is it possible, if he was taken, that the individual who took him is still with him?

 

[haggis]

I am a person, around Jonathan's age, who is also on the Autism spectrum. I know people along the spectrum can have different experiences but I'm hoping my perspective could help in some way.

I, unfortunately, think the theory that someone pursuaded him to come outside could have some merit.

While people with autism generally stick to routines, how strictly routines are followed can vary depending on the individual. In my experience, ertain things can override a routine if they are considered "important" enough.

I personally also have items that I almost never leave my house without (in a similar fashion to Jonathan's jacket and phone) unless I have something planned that doesn't need those items (unlikely), or if I'm stepping out of the house for just a second. With the understanding that Jonathan's jacket is a comfort item, it doesn't seem likely he was planning to go very far. I have headphones that can help me deal with overstimulation that I never leave the house without. Considering this, I think the possibility that Jonathan wasn't planning on leaving should be carefully considered.

Another thing is that autistic individuals can have some trouble picking up social cues or interpreting intentions. I've had a lot of trouble with this throughout my life, even as I've gotten older and started trying to recognize the patterns. People can just be so unpredictable. So I believe a scenario in which Jonathan was tricked outside is a realistic possibility.

Unfortunately, I don't think I have anything else I can use to help out with here right now, but I hope it's something...

I'd be happy to answer questions about either my experience as an autistic individual or things I have learned about autism in general if it might help bring Jonathan home. I also have a network of medical professionals I could ask questions to.

Thank you -- this is very helpful. I wonder if the police have resources that will give them this type of insight. The importance of routine makes this sound all the more concerning....

 

[TMich6811]

I see now. Given the clues and at least my experience with autism, I agree it's very likely someone took him....

Is it possible, if he was taken, that the individual who took him is still with him?

Appreciate all of your insight. It’s possible but confusing. He was seen in July in Kirkland on NE 114th Lane and address in Arlington is on 114th Dr NE. So it seems he was trying to get home months later.

 

[VoidHope]

Thank you -- this is very helpful. I wonder if the police have resources that will give them this type of insight. The importance of routine makes this sound all the more concerning....

I'm so glad what I said might be of some help. And yes, routine is very important. My understanding is that there is a difference in how routine is expressed. People with autism tend to prefer knowing about plans way in advance. For me, I need at least 24 hours notice for certain plans. Autistic individuals may also have rituals or repetitive habits as some sort of rule their brain follows. For example, needing to brush teeth in a specific way or having a specific seat at the dinner table. People with autism may also struggle with transitioning between tasks due to the interruptive nature of it. Interruptions or unexpected things can lead to shutdowns/meltdowns. Rigidity with routines can also mean we stick to some rules to a T. And often interpret those rules literally.

However, this routine also gives us a skill in pattern recognition and memorization sometimes. If I walk to a place for the first time, I'm pretty good at finding my way back due to recognizing specific landmarks. We pay attention to little details that others may not notice as easily. If Jonathan is trying to go home, it's possible he is using this ability to find his way back. He could be trying to recognize faces, buildings, natural landmarks, billboards etc. If his family has a routine or rythm that Jonathan is familiar with, he might also try to visit places his family visits often. Maybe familiar restaurants or places of business. And by familiar, I mean places the staff would recognize his family as regulars.

Sorry for yapping, but I'm trying to think of anything that could be useful regarding Jonathan's possible behaviors.

 

[VoidHope]

Appreciate all of your insight. It’s possible but confusing. He was seen in July in Kirkland on NE 114th Lane and address in Arlington is on 114th Dr NE. So it seems he was trying to get home months later.

Hopefully he is trying to find his way home and he get's home soon. It could very well be a possibility if what I said in another reply has any merit here. In an unpredictable world, people like me need to find patterns. Routine and pattern make sense of things and are a comfort.

 

[TMich6811]

Hopefully he is trying to find his way home and he get's home soon. It could very well be a possibility if what I said in another reply has any merit here. In an unpredictable world, people like me need to find patterns. Routine and pattern make sense of things and are a comfort.

I definitely think it has merit and I do believe he is trying to get home.

I don’t believe that he left by choice

The in between is confusing

The family is asking for the fbi. And as of last I saw, apple hasn’t responded to the request for his iPad info

 

[VoidHope]

I definitely think it has merit and I do believe he is trying to get home.

I don’t believe that he left by choice

The in between is confusing

The family is asking for the fbi. And as of last I saw, apple hasn’t responded to the request for his iPad info

I think I read something about that. Something about the FBI needing the local police to give the okay first?

Also sucks that Apple hasn't responded to them yet. Although, is the family able to use the find my ipad thing? It sounds like they may have tried that with the whole pinging the device thing.

 

[TMich6811]

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[TMich6811]

EPISODE 493: Jonathan Hoang Part 2 - Reappearance — The Vanished Podcast

Last week, you learned about Jonathan Hoang, his quiet and structured life, and how he disappeared from his family’s home in Arlington, Washington, at the end of March 2025. On the evening of March 30, Jonathan asked to sleep in the downstairs guest bedroom because the sound of the treadmill was bot

www.thevanishedpodcast.com

 

[TMich6811]

EPISODE 493: Jonathan Hoang Part 2 - Reappearance — The Vanished Podcast

Last week, you learned about Jonathan Hoang, his quiet and structured life, and how he disappeared from his family’s home in Arlington, Washington, at the end of March 2025. On the evening of March 30, Jonathan asked to sleep in the downstairs guest bedroom because the sound of the treadmill was bot

www.thevanishedpodcast.com

Sister says family feels he has been with someone the whole time.

Also that the police have not been helpful.

Apple was subpoenaed but Apple said no and to go through law enforcement but LE won’t help.

Family wasn’t interviewed and still hasn’t been. Neighbors weren’t interviewed

Family hired PI, getting leads from them

last time their front door ring camera registers him is arriving from school and then mom in am. It never shows him leaving. He always leaves out of front door. Father feels he was told to leave through another door.

 

[TMich6811]

EPISODE 493: Jonathan Hoang Part 2 - Reappearance — The Vanished Podcast

Last week, you learned about Jonathan Hoang, his quiet and structured life, and how he disappeared from his family’s home in Arlington, Washington, at the end of March 2025. On the evening of March 30, Jonathan asked to sleep in the downstairs guest bedroom because the sound of the treadmill was bot

www.thevanishedpodcast.com

Footage from Kirkland was provided by the owners friend who was shown the video and had contacted the family directly

When the family watched video they agreed it looked and sounded just like him and multiple residents found videos of him which family felt confirmed it was absolutely him based on movements and stimming. No footage showed which way he went

LE not speaking to family. Looks like he is holding iPad in one video and not others

Looks like he has lost weight and he does seem stressed

No one from LE helped organize a search of the area

Video looks like he hasn’t been outside this whole time but has been taken care of in some level

LE not answer or responding about enhancing the footage

 

[VoidHope]

Footage from Kirkland was provided by the owners friend who was shown the video and had contacted the family directly

When the family watched video they agreed it looked and sounded just like him and multiple residents found videos of him which family felt confirmed it was absolutely him based on movements and stimming. No footage showed which way he went

LE not speaking to family. Looks like he is holding iPad in one video and not others

Looks like he has lost weight and he does seem stressed

No one from LE helped organize a search of the area

Video looks like he hasn’t been outside this whole time but has been taken care of in some level

LE not answer or responding about enhancing the footage

Why isn't law enforcement doing anything??

 

[haggis]

Why isn't law enforcement doing anything??

It's frustrating. Hopefully they are working behind the scenes.

It's also frustrating that phone records can't be released -- I understand the need for privacy restrictions, but it's unfortunate that someone's personal safety doesn't rank higher. I guess if the rule was relaxed, officials could create situations to access private data. Argh.

 

[slowpoke]

It's frustrating. Hopefully they are working behind the scenes.

It's also frustrating that phone records can't be released -- I understand the need for privacy restrictions, but it's unfortunate that someone's personal safety doesn't rank higher. I guess if the rule was relaxed, officials could create situations to access private data. Argh.

Just to clarify, my understanding is that it’s not Jonathan’s cell phone records, but records relating to his wifi-only Apple IPad.

Perhaps the family wants to see any communications he may have had via WhatsApp or similar.

His cell phone records were already looked into by investigators: (Link)

“Detectives have also conducted a thorough analysis of Jonathan’s cell phone and computer - no information has been found that provides insight into why or how he left his home.”

jmo

 

[The Zookeeper]

I have a son with autism who is 27 years old. He is around 8-9 years developmentally. The thought of him getting lost has always been one of my worst fears!
It is outrageous and neglectful that the police have not taken this matter more seriously. I think one of the reasons they didn’t take it seriously initially, is that the parents did not have legal guardianship of Jonathan. I know they obtained guardianship after he went missing. But, I do believe that Jonathan would have been viewed as an endangered person by the police if the parents had already had guardianship. When our son was 17 1/2, we filed for guardianship and it was granted by a judge prior to him turning 18.

There is one scenario that I keep thinking of. I think it is possible that Jonathan may have been picked up in a vehicle by another student from his school. My son has had other special needs friends that he met in Special Olympics that were higher functioning and could drive. One boy that my son was friends with drove, and would play video games with my son online. This friend was also a young adult and would ask my son to go places with him, like the movies. However, we never allowed our son to go with this friend alone. We would take him to the movie to meet his friend and sit a few rows behind him. It was not that we didn’t trust his friend, but rather that we view our son to be about 8-9 years old, and we provide supervision that is appropriate for that age. I wonder if the police or the family’s PI have talked with the other students at Jonathan’s school? I think it would be very important to talk with the students and teachers.

 

[Unalienable Rights]

I have a son with autism who is 27 years old. He is around 8-9 years developmentally. The thought of him getting lost has always been one of my worst fears!
It is outrageous and neglectful that the police have not taken this matter more seriously. I think one of the reasons they didn’t take it seriously initially, is that the parents did not have legal guardianship of Jonathan. I know they obtained guardianship after he went missing. But, I do believe that Jonathan would have been viewed as an endangered person by the police if the parents had already had guardianship. When our son was 17 1/2, we filed for guardianship and it was granted by a judge prior to him turning 18.

There is one scenario that I keep thinking of. I think it is possible that Jonathan may have been picked up in a vehicle by another student from his school. My son has had other special needs friends that he met in Special Olympics that were higher functioning and could drive. One boy that my son was friends with drove, and would play video games with my son online. This friend was also a young adult and would ask my son to go places with him, like the movies. However, we never allowed our son to go with this friend alone. We would take him to the movie to meet his friend and sit a few rows behind him. It was not that we didn’t trust his friend, but rather that we view our son to be about 8-9 years old, and we provide supervision that is appropriate for that age. I wonder if the police or the family’s PI have talked with the other students at Jonathan’s school? I think it would be very important to talk with the students and teachers.

I'm glad that you brought up the issue of guardianship. I was also going to post about that. On April 22, Jonathan's sister posted on the official missing page that her parents had just obtained emergency guardianship.

I have noticed in other cases of missing adults who are dependent on their families for care, that there have been delays in receiving search warrants for their phone or computer records because their families had not legally established guardianship until after they went missing. There have also been cases where the dependent adults have been admitted to hospitals or released from hospitals without their families being notified, because guardianship had not been legally established. I have been surprised to see how often this is the case. It is very important that families with dependent children to as you did, and establish legal guardianship before their children's 18th birthdays.

 

[TMich6811]

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Family asking folks to change their photo to this one today as it’s one month since the last sighting of Jonathan

 

[bluefantastic]

As an autistic person, I personally find it very annoying when this sort of thing happens and the only clarification as to their level of capacity given is “high functioning” or “low functioning”— that means pretty much nothing in a void. Autism varies a lot between individuals, so someone (for example) might not speak, but be perfectly capable of navigating on foot by themselves. Specifics matter, especially when someone might be endangered

 

[stripehaven2]

Like he didn’t leave on the road or off the road so…

I keep thinking about his sister saying that he had huge respect for authority figures. And she mentioned a teacher who apparently is the one person they know of who believe J has stronger abilities than he actually seems to. I wonder if maybe others who knew J at school also think he’s capable of more than the family does, or think they know better than the family. And maybe such a person tried to “rescue” him from what they perceive as too restrictive a life? So they helped him sneak out via the side door (no camera) and possibly coached him to leave the neighborhood via backyards or similar? And now are sheltering him somewhere? I know this is insanely far-fetched but the remark about that teacher put me in mind of a recent documentary about a (demented) woman who claimed that a severely intellectually disabled, non-verbal young man actually could communicate. And she infiltrated his life. (I’m not equated J to this young man but I do wonder if he crossed paths with someone who has some kind of idea of “saving” him.

On the other hand, I also wonder if the sheriff’s department is quietly investigating leads and are not willing to share that info with the family.

I live about 40 minutes from Arlington, and I’m in the Snohomish County SD jurisdiction, so I have been seeing quite a bit of coverage. I’d be very surprised if LE is truly ignoring all the community pressure.