HHS Launches First National Autism Missing & Endangered Person Alert Initiative

On August 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced, in a press release, the development of the first-ever National Autism Missing and Endangered Person Alert initiative. Led by HHS in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the initiative will work to strengthen coordination among emergency management agencies, law enforcement, first responders, and community partners nationwide to improve preparedness and response when autistic individuals are reported missing . . .