COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —
Experts are highlighting the importance of water safety for children with autism after a 5-year-old autistic, nonverbal child’s body was pulled from a pond Sunday morning.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said the family had just moved into the Everly Apartments off of Collier Boulevard on Saturday.
CCSO said the family noticed their son, Jaylen Saintelien, was gone while moving into their new home. The CCSO said they searched their home and the surrounding area, and that is when they called 911 Saturday around 3 p.m.
CCSO conducted a search by air and on the ground. The dive team and marine patrol were also deployed.
Deputies found Saintelien’s body Sunday morning in a pond near the family’s home.
Experts say children with autism are more attracted to water and recommend getting children with autism swimming lessons and adding extra locks to your doors.
CCSO has the Autism Support Project. The project is an effort to provide a local resource to residents by providing training to first responders, as well as education to parents, caregivers and citizens.
This is not the first time someone has drowned at this apartment complex.
Last May, a 48-year-old father drowned as he tried to save his 4-year-old son, who is also nonverbal with autism. That boy survived.