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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Autistic Boy, 13, Drives Solo to Airport, Flies Across US

Autistic boy is fascinated with flying, parents say

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(Newser) – A 13-year-old Florida boy with autism was found in San Jose, Calif., last night after driving himself to the airport and, apparently without identification or a credit card, getting on a cross-country flight, the Palm Beach Post reports. Kenton Weaver—who had never before driven—has Asperger’s Syndrome and is so obsessed with flying that he tried twice before to hitch rides to the airport.

Weaver’s parents were aware of his burning desire to fly; his father awoke yesterday at 6am to find the family Explorer gone. “He’ll do anything to go to an airport,” Dean Weaver says. “I was so afraid he was going to hit someone else with the car.” The SUV was found, undamaged, at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International; Kenton Weaver is staying with relatives in the Bay Area—near where his mother lives—for now.

Weaver flew from Florida to California without ID or any money. His dad thinks he used stolen credit card information.
Weaver flew from Florida to California without ID or any money. His dad thinks he used stolen credit card information.   (Shutter stock)
Dean Weaver suspects son Kenton, 13, used a stolen credit card to book a Southwest flight from Florida to California.
Dean Weaver suspects son Kenton, 13, used a stolen credit card to book a Southwest flight from Florida to California.   (AP Photo)
Dean Weaver thinks son Kenton, 13, used a stolen credit card to book a flight from Florida to California.
Dean Weaver thinks son Kenton, 13, used a stolen credit card to book a flight from Florida to California.   (AP Photo)
Dean Weaver thinks son Kenton, 13, used a stolen credit card to fly Southwest from Florida to California.
Dean Weaver thinks son Kenton, 13, used a stolen credit card to fly Southwest from Florida to California.   (AP Photo)
Dean Weaver thinks son Kenton, 13, used a stolen credit card to book a flight from Florida to California.
Dean Weaver thinks son Kenton, 13, used a stolen credit card to book a flight from Florida to California.   (AP Photo)
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He's very bright, but at the same time has very little common sense and few inhibitions. - Kim Casey, Weaver's mother

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6 comments
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sadtimes
Apr 29, 09 4:25 PM CDT
Damn, this kid has some serious skills. I think the CIA or NSA should recruit him to be a top operative in training. Reply
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thepinkc
Apr 29, 09 4:37 PM CDT
Not only did he want to fly, but he also drove himself safely to an airport. I wonder where he got the money from and why no one asked for ID or thought it was strange he had no ID or paid with cash for a ticket? Amazing! Reply
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zero34
Apr 29, 09 4:40 PM CDT
wow. here's what i'd like to know. How did he get through security without a boarding pass? then get on the plane, again without a boarding pass. and to think he's 13 and doing it all alone. that's insane, and oddly impressive! Reply
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DarkFrancis
Apr 29, 09 6:41 PM CDT
All the while saying "I'm an excellent drrriiverrr..." Reply
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Deca
Apr 30, 09 9:18 AM CDT
I have a 14 yr old with Asberger's, who obsesses over cars, and is chomping at the bit to get his license. I think I might pay a little more attention to where I leave the car keys at night. Reply
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