Autistic Boy Missing 5 Days Is Found Alive

Robbie Wood is discovered in 'good shape' in quarry
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 28, 2011 4:51 PM CDT
Autistic Boy Missing 5 Days Is Found Alive
This undated photo provided by the family via Richmond Times-Dispatch shows Robert "Robbie" Wood Jr.   (AP Photo/Family Photo via Richmond Times-Dispatch)

A quarry worker in Virginia made an incredible find today: He discovered 8-year-old Robbie Wood curled up in a fetal position in a creek bed, reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The severely autistic boy hadn't been seen since Sunday when he got separated from his family at a park. The local sheriff says the boy is in "good shape" and being treated at a hospital.

He was found fully clothed, about three-quarters of a mile from where he was last seen. “It’s been a challenge dealing with a child with special needs who is lost," said the sheriff. "I can’t tell you he was there (earlier). I don’t think we walked past him.” Thousands of volunteers had turned out daily to search for Robbie, who cannot speak. (More missing child stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X