Autistic Missing Child Feel-Good Story Ending

This weekend, a story about a missing child in Germany touched the hearts of those who saw it. Actually, similar posts floated around for a while now. While much of the story is correct, the outcome wasn’t quite what feel-good folks might wish for. Read on to find out more.

The Missing Child Was Autistic

@charlietop10s shared a post on Instagram on Saturday and people quickly responded to it. Actually, it’s not the first time that it arrived, and it’s often used by folks who like to spread good cheer. But, over time, it changed as people rewrote it. Notably, it started arriving on social media before the story actually ended.

The latest post correctly claimed that a 6-year-old autistic boy in Germany went missing. Additionally, the caption talked about how “police came up with such a creative way to help him.” It mentioned that “they used laser-like lights and candy to lure him out safely, combining safety with things he liked to make him feel comfortable.”

The post also talked about the emotional goodness of the story, by adding, “It’s such a reminder of how understanding and patience can make a real difference, especially for kids with autism…” 

The Little Boy Was Not Found Alive

What the post neglected to mention is that, in fact, the missing child, named Arian, wasn’t found alive. Actually, they did try and use balloons, bright markers, and even sweets in the fields in hopes the boy might notice them. Notably, it made sense to try it as he was reportedly non-verbal and couldn’t hear, per BalkanWeb. 

Of course, searchers also used helicopters, drones, thermal imaging, and ground teams. They combed through the forests near Bremervörde without success. What is totally true, is that Arian, an autistic boy, did go missing in Germany in April last year.

A massive hunt was started, and they did get creative. However, the outcome wasn’t the uplifting rescue suggested by omission in viral posts. After weeks of intensive searches, a child’s body was found by a farmer in a field.

No Foul Play Suspected

While authorities confirmed that it was little Arian, the cause of death wasn’t released. Notably, though, the investigation concluded he hadn’t been the victim of foul play.

As one reader said in the comments, “But it did not work. The poor child was found dead weeks later.”

That commenter was absolutely correct. While it’s not uncommon to find a timeline cleanser that makes people feel good, sometimes social media tragically has a way of leaving out the bad bits. And that can’t make the parents of the missing boy feel good about anything.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all our news about family, kids, and social media.