One Minnesota mother visited Ohio after two children with autism went missing and tragically ended up in a body of water. In the span of just two weeks, Ohio witnessed the heart-wrenching disappearance of two children on the autism spectrum, both of whom were later found in a body of water. While a boy from Madison County was miraculously saved by police, a six-year-old boy from West Chester tragically passed away just days ago, leaving the community devastated.
The events unfolded in a way that deeply impacted Sheletta Brundidge, a mother of four from Minnesota. After seeing body camera footage of police in Madison County rescuing a 5-year-old boy with autism from a creek, she knew she had to act. The dramatic footage showed the boy being pulled from the water, his life saved by the quick response of the police officers. In that moment, Brundidge knew that she had to make the journey to Ohio to offer support, share her experience, and help others in need.
“They call me Minnesota’s Autism Mom. Not because I have three kids on the spectrum, but because I’m an advocate for parents who have kids with special needs,” said Brundidge. Her passion for advocating for children with autism and their families drove her to make this trip, and she was determined to make a difference in the lives of other parents facing similar struggles.
Upon arriving in Ohio, Brundidge met the boy who had been saved in the video and had the chance to hug his mother. She brought with her a life-saving device for children with autism — a solution she believed could help prevent future tragedies. Brundidge’s mission was clear, and she was ready to make a lasting impact in the community.
“I’m a mom on a mission to help save other children,” said Brundidge, her voice filled with determination. Her journey was not just about offering support but about spreading the word about a simple yet effective safety measure that could make all the difference.
The device Brundidge introduced to the families she met in Ohio was an interior combination door lock, which allows parents to set a passcode to lock doors from the inside, preventing children with autism from escaping and going missing. Brundidge discovered these locks online after struggling to find a way to keep her own son, Daniel, safe. For years, she had dealt with multiple escape attempts every day — a constant fear that her son could wander off and get lost.
“I had two or three escape attempts every day up until that point,” said Brundidge. “And once I put those locks on, in the last four years, I’ve only had one escape attempt.” This simple but effective solution gave Brundidge peace of mind, and she was eager to share it with other families in need.
In Ohio, Brundidge didn’t just talk about the locks — she took action. She held a giveaway for families in the community, offering 50 locks to parents who had children with autism. Brundidge made sure there were no barriers for families to receive the locks. There was no registration required, no questions asked — just the opportunity for parents to get a lock and install it in their homes to keep their children safe.
“People from around the community who have children with autism came and got a free lock, no questions asked, no registration, just get a lock, put it in your house and keep your child safe,” said Brundidge. The response from the community was overwhelming, as parents appreciated the support and the opportunity to ensure their children’s safety.
Brundidge has made it her mission to give away these locks to as many families as possible. She funds the entire initiative out of her own pocket, and to date, she has distributed 650 locks to families across the country. Brundidge’s dedication to helping others stems from her own experiences as a mother and advocate for children with autism.
“I don’t want finances to be a barrier. I don’t want another mother to have to bury her child because she didn’t know about these locks,” said Brundidge. Her words reflect the deep love and concern she feels for all families facing the same challenges. By providing these locks, Brundidge is not only offering a physical tool but also a sense of security and peace of mind for parents who understand the anxiety that comes with caring for a child on the autism spectrum.
Brundidge’s journey to Ohio, where the mother visits Ohio to bring this critical safety solution to families, is just one example of her ongoing commitment to advocating for children with autism. Her efforts have made a significant difference, and she hopes that her mission will inspire others to take action and protect their loved ones.
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