Autism Ontario shares in the grief of Draven Graham’s death. Draven was an 11-year-old autistic boy who lived in Lindsay, Ontario. Our hearts go out to Draven’s family. This is a tragic outcome and a sad time for the autism community in Ontario.
The death of young Draven represents an incalculable loss and prompted calls for action supporting changes to the province’s Amber Alert system to include autistic children. Autism Ontario issued a statement and was interviewed by various media on the issue.
June 14, 2022
Amber Alert system needed for vulnerable children who go missing, online petitions say
Crystal Hunter, Autism Ontario’s Manager, Communications and Resource Development, spoke to CBC Toronto about a provincial alert notification system for autistic children and adults that could provide important information to law enforcement or members of the community that could help to locate a missing autistic person.
Watch the interview (see 14:16-15:08) and read the article.
‘This was an accident, that family was doing their best’ Niagara mom speaks out following tragedy
Chrissy Sadowski, Fund and Volunteer Coordinator with Autism Ontario’s South Region was interviewed by Newstalk 610 CKTB as a parent of an autistic child following the tragedy of Draven Graham’s death.
June 15, 2022
Petition seeks Ontario Amber Alerts for autistic children following death of Draven Graham
Michael Cnudde, Communications Specialist with Autism Ontario, was interviewed by 640 Toronto Radio about online petitions seeking support for an Amber Alert for autistic children.
June 16, 2022
An alert system for children with special needs
Autism Ontario’s Stephanie Maguire-Parish, Program & Volunteer Coordinator – Central East Region, was interviewed by CBC Radio’s Ontario Morning to discuss proposed changes to the Amber Alert system that would include autistic children and other children and adults with special needs.
Orangeville parents want changes to Amber Alert after tragedy in Lindsay: Accounting for autism needs could save more lives
July 4, 2022
Michael Cnudde, Communications Specialist with Autism Ontario, was quoted in The Orangeville Banner regarding possible changes to the Amber Alert system to include autistic children, adults, and seniors who are vulnerable.