12 Year Old with Autism Survives
Connor Folkertsma, a 12-year-old boy with autism slipped into the waters of Indian Mill Creek near Grand Rapids, Michigan June, 9.
His mother, Sandra Folkertsma, reported that he likes to watch the knee deep waters of the stream but with the heavy rains sweeping the entire Midwest this past week the stream was high enough to be over 5 feet in some places.
The Grand Rapids Fire Department combed the shores and located Connor about a third of a mile from where he went into the water.
According to the American Red Cross one should always be knowledgeable about the current water environment and its current hazards as well as any changes in water conditions. Everyone near waterways should be able to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies.
But it is not only that…parents, guardians, and caretakers should also be vigilant about watching children (and I am certainly not blaming the mother in this case because I know that accidents do happen). In general, we all need to be careful around water.


June 11th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Hi Marcie,
This is Caitlin Giles from Chicago Moms Blog. I had a writing opportunity that I thought wouldbe a goof fit for you. If you think you might be interested, would you email me at caitlingiles@hotmail.com. Have a good day (sunny and beautiful in Chicago — yeah!).
June 11th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Sorry, a “good fit,” not a “goof fit.” Too early!
June 11th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Our children had been warned the day before the accident to stay away from the creek. This area is nearby to a cemetery in which we take frequent family walks. While I showered, Connor and his 15 year old sister decided to take our dog for a walk in the cemetery, which they have done on many occasions. They had been to the creek many times before but never without their father. Connor wanted to go to the creek, his sister said no. He ran off in that direction and his sister tried to get him to come back away from the steep bank leading to the creek. Connor has no concept of the potential danger of most everyday situations. It was an unfortunate chain of events that thankfully ended happily.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Sandi,
My son would have done the same thing and I hope you don’t think I was criticizing your parenting skills at all.
I think all of us parents get into situations like this.