Body Of Missing Autistic 6-Year-Old Pulled From Gaithersburg Pond, Police Say

An extensive search for Hassan was launched at around 3 p.m. on July 27 when the non-verbal, autistic child was reported missing by his family in Gaithersburg.

The Montgomery County Department of Police announced on Sunday that the boy had been found, and were able to positively identify Hassan as the person recovered from the pond.

His body is now being transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause and manner of the child's death.

Following the police confirming Hassan had been located, there was been an outpouring of tributes as the family comes to grips with the outcome of the search.

"As a parent of a child with autism who is prone to wandering, you live in a constant state of vigilance and concern," one Facebook post reads. "Children with autism are incredibly intelligent and can be adept escape artists. May all our children stay safe."

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