When a child with autism goes missing, every minute feels heavier. Families understand how quickly worry turns into fear, especially when their child is non verbal or might not respond when called. That was the reality for a Sacramento family this week after 17 year old Zachariah Crawford, a non verbal teen with autism, disappeared Wednesday evening.
The Search Begins
Zachariah was spotted about 4 p.m., in the vicinity of Meadowview Road and Freeport Boulevard — a high-traffic area with lots of open space. For teenagers, walking alone can be risky; however, for a non-verbal autistic youngster, the danger is greater. A non-verbal autistic person faces significant communication barriers as well as increased levels of sensory overload when in an unfamiliar environment. These factors can both create difficulties in getting assistance and/or staying safe.
Police quickly shared his description with the community. Neighbors, drivers, and nearby businesses were asked to watch for him. The department treated the case with urgency, knowing how vulnerable autistic teens can be when separated from their families.
Found Safe
By Thursday, Sacramento Police confirmed that Zachariah had been found safely. Officials shared that he was located unharmed. For families in the autism community, stories like this feel deeply personal. The relief is shared by everyone, a child returned safely, a crisis avoided, and a reminder of how fragile these moments can be.
Why Wandering Happens
Most people do not know how common wandering is among autistic children and teenagers. The National Autism Association conducted research and found that almost half of all autistic children will wander at some time or another. Wandering is NOT misbehaving; it is NOT defying authority.
Some autistic children wander because of a need for comfort (e.g., water, movement, a known environment) while others are trying to get away from a source of stimulation, such as: Noise, Crowds, Overwhelming Environment, Some may wonder in seeking out a repetitive path of exploration or experiencing a high level of anxiety or sensory overload.
For non verbal teens like Zachariah, the challenges grow even larger. They may not know how to ask for help or communicate that they feel lost. They may not respond when their name is called. This makes community awareness and a quick police response especially important.
How Families Can Prepare
Safety planning does not remove every risk, but it can make a difference. Many families use tools such as:
Some police departments offer voluntary “special needs registries” that help officers understand a child’s communication style, calming strategies, and triggers during emergencies.
A Reminder to Our Community
Zachariah’s safe return brings comfort to many families who know the fear of those long hours. It also highlights the importance of understanding autism, not just the diagnosis, but the real needs behind it. Families caring for autistic children shoulder so much, and support makes a real difference. Families looking for support with Communication, Wandering Behaviors, and Emotional Regulation.
Sacramento ABA Therapy center provides ABA Therapy and Family Support centered around Safety, Confidence, and Everyday Growth. Every Parent Should Not Face These Challenges Alone.
