Developmental disabilities such as autism are still largely misunderstood by the public.
But fortunately, there is a growing number of people who at least know enough not to judge autistic people and instead treat them with the compassion that is needed to get through to them. Even that little knowledge can prove crucial especially in cases when these mentally disabled people are exposed to potential dangers.
This understanding was put on display when an autistic man went missing but thanks to the efforts of a police officer who knew about the missing man’s condition, was returned safely home.
KTVU reported that 31-year-old Lance Grumley went missing in Rohnert Park, California. What made the case more urgent was that Grumley was autistic and his condition was such that it was dangerous for him to be all by himself. This is because Grumley could only read a few words and almost never left his mother’s side.
Fortunately, Rohnert Park Motorcycle Officer Justin Thompson was aware of Grumley’s condition and knew he had to act quickly. That understanding proved crucial, reported Yahoo.
Grumley’s mother, Diane, recalled what happened at the time he disappeared. As she and her son were preparing to leave the house, Grumley wandered into the garage. She explained, “He went down to open the garage like he always does, and I didn’t really know he went out the door.”
But Diane was in such a rush that she forgot that she had left her car at a relative’s house nearby. This little detail led to Grumley disappearing.
When he wandered outside the house and didn’t see the car, he likely became confused. “He couldn’t find me, and I think he was kinda sad,” Diane said.
“He may have thought, ‘Mom left without me.’ That’s never happened.”
Either way, it left Grumley wandering alone and without his mother and things could get dangerous for him really fast. Diane immediately called the police and also got into her car to search for her son as well.
The Rohnert Park Police didn’t waste time springing into action. According to Police Chief Tim Mattos, “When a call comes in like that, it turns into all hands on deck. That was a serious call. We wanted to make sure he was found.”
Officer Thompson managed to locate Grumley inside of 10 minutes at a park nearby. But because Thompson was familiar with Grumley’s condition, he thought that his appearance might only frighten the poor man. So the police officer removed his helmet and gloves.
And he immediately wrapped Grumley in a hug which was promptly reciprocated.
“Justin was the perfect person to find him,” Mattos said. “He has a great heart.”
Sara Grumley, Grumley’s sister, said, “We try to teach him that the police officers are the good guys. We are very grateful to the police for responding so quickly and for handling the situation so compassionately.”
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