National Autism Safety Council

06/11/2026

Caregiving is a critical part of . While the headlines continue to show the worst of what can happen when the wrong person is hired for a job that requires the right heart, we must also recognize the caregivers who are doing exactly what their name implies...caring and giving.

If you're a person who's not a good fit for caregiving, it's better to acknowledge that upfront. People with disabilities deserve those who simply...care.

06/09/2026

Slipping away unnoticed within the home may seem harmless at first, but it can be an early warning sign of future elopement risk.

For our free guide on elopement prevention, see link in comments.

06/06/2026

A tragic update to the search for Axel. Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

06/04/2026

What if your phone could save a child's life in the next 5 minutes? The National Autism Safety Council and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children are calling on public safety leaders to use Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to reach neighbors near a missing child with before drowning occurs.

Carly Tapp, NCMEC

06/04/2026

The truthiest of truths from NeuroWild.💙 Removing supports also means removing stabilization, progress, safety.

06/03/2026

Thanks to the tireless advocacy of Jonisa Cook, Ohio just moved one step closer to the Joshua Alert. Unanimous Senate vote, now on the Governor's desk. Well done, Jonisa. 💙

An alert system dedicated to finding missing children with autism took another massive step toward becoming law on Wednesday.

06/03/2026

On June 16 at 12 PM ET, join SPARK and NASC Founder Lori McIlwain for a free webinar on "Autism and Water Safety: Understanding Water Attraction and How to Reduce Risk."

Register: https://bostonchildrens.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lwdnRBDKSfm9p7YT6bfIHw #/registration

On June 16th, Lori McIlwain will discuss what caregivers can do to promote water safety at home and in the community.

06/01/2026

Water safety is about more than just swim lessons. For the latest tips, tools, and more, see link in comments. Happy splashing!

05/30/2026

This community, showing heartfelt support for a family who lost their child. The truth is, the entire community is also devastated. And that's just the thing. The autism-elopement issue isn't just about the child. It's about this. The neighbor across the street who jumped into action -- there's a missing child, and they will find that child. There's an incredible amount of hope that goes into that.

It's about volunteers who show up -- same amount of hope in their hearts -- picturing that child simply hiding in a bush. They will find that child, they're sure of it. It's about the responding officers, Police Chief, collaborative agencies, K9 handler, drone operator, NCMEC call center supervisor, Team Adam specialist, the case manager -- all coming together with that same hope in their hearts.

And then there's the family. The hope and the absolute fear that is too intense to be measured, and for many, the aftermath of the worst outcome, met with the harshest judgement from those who have no idea how quickly this can happen.

Through the years, we've met people who found a child alive, or deceased. Regular people who either had one of the best days of their lives, or worst.

When a missing child is found deceased, it impacts entire communities. That child is one of theirs. A certain innocence is lost, and it will be felt for years to come.

For communities like Celina, it's not just about the child who is lost, but everyone who searched. Not to mention the parents, grandparents, siblings, family members and bystanders who also lost their lives during a rescue. It's about all of it.

We love that Celina showed up for this family. Every community should be this level of supportive. We're also heartbroken for the community itself, and for every community that has held that palpable hope only to have it turn to devastation.

The City of Celina extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of MJ Ashmead during this difficult time.

In honor of MJ’s memory and the impact he made on those around him, the City will illuminate the historic Water Tower in blue throughout the weekend. Blue is a color widely recognized for both autism awareness and water safety awareness, reflecting values of understanding, education, advocacy, and community support.

As our community joins together in remembrance, we keep MJ’s family and all who knew and loved him in our thoughts.

05/29/2026

A heartbreaking update to the search for a missing 8-year-old in Texas. Our hearts go out to his family and entire community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2026

CELINA POLICE DEPARTMENT ISSUES UPDATE RELATED TO AN EARLIER SEARCH FOR A MISSING EIGHT-YEAR-OLD BOY IN CELINA

CELINA, TEXAS – The Celina Police Department issued the following update related to an earlier search for an eight-year-old child near the Sutton Fields neighborhood in Celina.

The family of MJ Ashmead, an eight-year-old boy, alerted police just before 9:30 a.m. that a child was missing from their home in the Sutton Fields neighborhood.

The Celina Police Department and the Celina Fire Department began an intense search to locate the missing child. Supporting the search efforts were the Texas Department of Public Safety air support, Collin County Sheriff’s Office dive team, Frisco Police Department K-9 unit, Hickory Creek Police Department K-9 unit, Prosper Police Department drone team, Lewisville Fire Department dive team, and Prosper ISD Police Department.

Just after 12:00 p.m., the Celina Police Department notified family members that the missing boy’s body had been located in a pond near the subdivision. No foul play is suspected in this tragedy; however, due to an ongoing law enforcement investigation, and out of respect for the family, the Celina Police Department will offer no further information at this time. # # #