Press Releases

For months we have been watching and waiting receive a positive outcome for Avonte Oquendo. Avonte was last seen on October 4, 2013 when he left his school. He was non verbal and diagnosed with autism.

Sadly, remains found this past week were identified to be Avonte’s. His remains were found 11 miles away from where he was last seen (1.) This tragedy could have been prevented.  The most fragile members of our community need protection and their families need support. God Bless Avonte and his family. My heart aches for them.

The family and Perecman Law Firm would like to thank everyone for all the support and prayers that have been given. They are incredibly appreciative for the love people have shown. If you would like to send condolences to the Oquendo family, you may do so and mail to the following address: The Perecman Firm Attn: The Oquendo Family 250 West 57th Street 4th Floor New York, NY 10107.

Since 2011, 42 children with autism have died from wandering (2.)  TACA applauds the efforts of the National Autism Association and their work on Autism Safety in school environments, wandering and other key issues affecting children with autism spectrum disorders daily. We encourage parents to investigate and utilize these resources to hopefully always keep their children safe (3.)

References:
1) http://pix11.com/2014/01/21/remains-identified-as-avonte-oquendo/#axzz2r2QohLGP

2) http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/opinion/wandering-is-a-major-concern-for-parents-of-children-with-autism.html?_r=2&

3) www.autismsafety.org