The Autism News | English


 

Not only is 9-year-old Robert Wood Jr. “doing well” at the hospital, but his father said he has even spoken a few words.

The usually nonverbal boy is still recovering at VCU Medical Center in Richmond and is “feeling better” and “happy,” his father said yesterday.

In a written statement, Robert Wood Sr. thanked all who helped in the recovery of his son, who had been missing for six days and five nights in a Hanover County woods.

“Not only did I get my son back, but I feel that I gained thousands of family members last week,” Wood said.

Law enforcement agencies and fire, rescue and military personnel, joined by 6,000 volunteers from as far away as Alaska, searched for the boy, who lives in Caroline County and has autism.

He was found near a rock quarry Friday afternoon by an unofficial male volunteer, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Robert went missing after he wandered off on Oct. 23 while walking along a trail in North Anna Battlefield Park in Doswell with his father, his younger brother, Ryan, and his father’s girlfriend. Ryan also has autism.

Robert “Robbie” Wood Sr., 34, said he tried to run after the boy but eventually lost sight of him.

He said that park is one of many parks that he visits with his two boys.

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