11-Year-Old Boy with Autism Takes Uber to Airport Without Parents’ Knowledge: ‘He Looks Like a Kid’

**Concerns Raised After Autistic Boy Orders Uber to Airport Alone**

An alarming incident involving an 11-year-old boy from New York has sparked concerns over ride-sharing safety protocols. Josiah Johnson, who has autism, managed to book an Uber ride alone and travelled to John F. Kennedy International Airport without his parents’ knowledge. His journey ended with airport staff discovering him wandering the terminal, before he was reunited with his family.

The incident occurred on Sunday, 28 June, when Josiah, according to his mother, Tenesha Johnson, left their home in Valley Stream, Long Island. Security footage from their Ring camera captured Josiah walking out with his luggage and approaching a waiting SUV. In the video, he could be heard asking, “Hi. Are you the Uber?” before getting into the vehicle.

Once at the airport, Josiah found himself alone in the main terminal. Fortunately, airport staff noticed him and quickly contacted the Port Authority Police Department, who assessed the situation and confirmed that he was unharmed. His father, Jamel Johnson, later collected him from the airport after being notified of the situation.

In a poignant interview, Josiah shared with reporters that his goal was to visit Japan, specifically the city of Fukuyama. His parents, who woke up to find their son missing, expressed their frantic concern after reviewing their security camera footage and realising he had left home in an Uber.

Jamel Johnson recounted the moment they learned of their son’s whereabouts, stating that he had misplaced his phone and needed to call it using his wife’s device. “The Port Authority Police picked up,” he explained, revealing that this was how he discovered Josiah had arrived at the airport unaccompanied.

While the Johnson family expressed gratitude for the quick response of airport authorities and first responders, they voiced strong criticisms towards Uber for allowing a minor to travel alone. Jamel expressed his disbelief at how the situation transpired, given the company’s stated policy that prohibits underage users from riding without adult supervision.

Despite acknowledging the incident and expressing concern, an Uber spokesperson stated that they were relieved to hear that Josiah was returned home safely, adding that they were in contact with the family regarding the situation. Uber’s guidelines stipulate that users must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult, and drivers are encouraged to cancel trips involving unaccompanied minors.

This incident has understandably left the Johnson family shaken. Tenesha articulated her anger, saying, “I was pissed, quite honestly. He doesn’t present as an adult. He looks like a kid.” The family plans to use this experience to raise awareness about the potential dangers faced by families with children on the autism spectrum, emphasising the need for strict adherence to safety measures.

The Johnsons believe that more awareness is required, not only within the ride-sharing industry but also amongst families with children who may be vulnerable to similar situations. “This could happen to you,” Jamel warned, highlighting the gravity of the matter and the necessity for Uber to enforce their policies more effectively.

As the situation continues to be addressed, many are left questioning the safety measures in place within the rideshare industry and the protocols for ensuring the well-being of minors. With incidents like this raising crucial issues, it calls into question how companies like Uber can better safeguard their users, particularly vulnerable individuals.

The experience has prompted a broader discussion on the responsibilities of rideshare services toward unaccompanied minors, especially children on the autism spectrum. Moving forward, the Johnson family hopes to see tangible changes that prioritise the safety of all passengers, especially the youngest and most vulnerable.