Hope For Three Offers Support and Safety Resources as Fort Bend County Mourns Loss of 8-Year-Old Ryan Akagbusi
The Fort Bend County community has experienced yet another tragic loss after 8-year-old Ryan Akagbusi was discovered in a lake within his Lakemont subdivision in the morning of Sunday, August 25. Last seen on August 24, Ryan was a nonverbal autistic child who wandered from his Richmond home in the early hours of the morning. His tragic passing echoes the heartbreaking loss of 12-year-old Aisha Adebayo, who was also found drowned in a lake near her Cross Creek Ranch home this June. In the wake of this devastating event, Fort Bend County's Hope For Three is offering invaluable advice, resources, and support to families in the community.
Hope For Three is an autism advocacy organization known for its commitment to equipping families with resources and support for their autistic children. Born from friends witnessing the struggles of the Montgomery family with their triplets, all diagnosed with autism, the organization has grown into a beacon of hope and support since its establishment in April 2011. It is the sole nonprofit in Greater Houston focusing singularly on autism, providing assistance to families on a continuous monthly basis. Today, it serves over 7,800 autistic children enrolled in the Fort Bend County public schools.
Reacting to the news of Ryan's death, Rowena Laine, Family Assistance Director and mother to two autistic children, shared, "I was devastated when I heard that Ryan was missing. The fear and sadness I felt was overwhelming. I thought about Aisha, my boys, and Ryan's parents - the autism community hurts with them."
In the aftermath of such a tragedy, many are grappling with the mystery behind his departure from his home, wondering why he would step out into the darkness of the early morning hours. Deborah Juarez, Family Assistance Coordinator of Hope For Three, provided insight into the tendency of autistic children to wander from home.
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"Wandering can often be a way of communicating and may indicate that a need is not being met or that they are unable to express their needs." She also explained that wandering individuals may desire to fulfill their need for curiosity, sensory seeking, sensory overload, dysregulation (fight or flight response), or simply the desire to return to a place they want to visit. Just like autistic individuals are all unique, so are the reasons for eloping, which is when an autistic individual wanders or runs away from a caregiver or secure location.
In terms of precautionary measures, both Laine and Juarez underline the importance of creating safety goals, safeguarding homes, and ingraining the significance of water safety through effective methods such as social stories. They advise parents to establish routines, develop concepts of danger, and never leave the children unattended around water. They also stressed the need for investment in swim safety lessons, safety devices, and community registration for safety programs such as "Take Me Home" and "Project Life Saver".
The Take Me Home™ Program, developed by the Pensacola Police Department, is a database designed to assist individuals who may need help in emergencies, particularly those unable to communicate or identify themselves due to cognitive impairments or disabilities. Residents of Fort Bend County, such as those with Alzheimer's, autism, or dementia, can enroll in the program, which includes a current digital photo, demographic information, and caregiver contacts. Law enforcement can access this information to reunite individuals with their families if they are found wandering or missing. Participation is voluntary, and all personal data remains confidential.
Parents of children with autism who are part of the Hope For Three program also shared insights about autistic children's attraction to water, highlighting its calming and multisensory experience. They noted that the sparkling and reflective qualities of water captivate autistic children, while the soothing sensation of water on the skin provides comfort. Additionally, the unique smells of the ocean or chlorine in a pool intrigue and stimulate their senses. The enticing sounds of waves and splashes further draw autistic children in, creating a seemingly safe and enjoyable environment for exploration and play.
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Further, parents offered various strategies to prevent elopement, including creating a safe environment with well-defined boundaries, using visual supports to clarify expectations, and teaching communication skills for busy or noisy situations. It's also beneficial to practice "stop drills," install locks and alarms for added safety, and utilize GPS tracking devices like Project Lifesaver. Additionally, closely monitoring your child and keeping detailed notes can help identify triggers or patterns related to elopement.
Project Lifesaver International is a non-profit organization that assists individuals with cognitive conditions, such as autism and Alzheimer's, who have a history of wandering. Founded in 1999, the program utilizes radio frequency technology to help locate missing individuals, providing peace of mind to families. In collaboration with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, the program offers trained teams and technology to ensure safe returns. Individuals enrolled wear a small transmitter, and if they go missing, caregivers can alert authorities for a swift response. Residents of Fort Bend County can enroll by applying through the Sheriff’s Office website here.
While the grief from these incidents still lingers, Hope For Three believes that, through community support and effective education, tragedies like Ryan's and Aisha's can be prevented. As Juarez shares, "There is an urgent need to provide help, hope, and support to families. With the support of a caring community, we can make a difference for our exceptional children."
For more information about Hope For Three, visit their website at hopeforthree.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
