Search for Missing Calgary Boy With Autism Enters Seventh Day, Shifts to Vacant Homes

Calgary police are asking residents, property owners and real estate professionals to inspect vacant homes as the extensive search for a missing 11-year-old boy enters its seventh day.

Parker, who has autism and is non-verbal, disappeared after walking away from his day home in northern Calgary last Thursday. Police have not publicly released his surname.

Police Believe Parker May Be Sheltering Indoors

Acting Staff Sgt. Scott Guterson said Parker has several practical survival skills and may have entered an unoccupied property, particularly a home whose residents are away on vacation.

According to Guterson, Parker would understand how to turn on a tap for drinking water and open a refrigerator to find food. This possibility has led police to urge homeowners and real estate agents to carefully examine empty residences.

Residents are also being asked to search their properties again, even if they have already checked them. Possible hiding places include:

• Garages and storage sheds
• Areas beneath decks
• Boats
• Recreational vehicles
• Other enclosed or sheltered spaces

Police believe Parker may remain hidden for an extended period, especially if he feels frightened or overwhelmed.

Hundreds Join Search as Police Review Over 400 Tips

Hundreds of police officers, emergency personnel, volunteers and community members have participated in the search.

Investigators have received more than 400 tips and are examining each report for useful information. Ground teams continue to search neighbourhoods and surrounding areas, while aircraft and water-search resources are also being used.

Guterson said he could not remember another case in Calgary where a missing child had remained unaccounted for this long.

Despite the length of Parker’s disappearance, police have said there is currently no evidence suggesting foul play. Authorities remain hopeful that he will be located safely.

Guterson emphasized that search teams have not exhausted all reasonable options and will continue using land, air and water resources to find Parker and return him home.

Searchers Use Familiar Music and Snacks

Parker’s autism and non-verbal communication make the search more complicated. Police have warned that he may become scared if approached by unfamiliar people, potentially causing him to move deeper into a hiding place.

Instead of confronting him directly, search teams are using familiar and comforting items to encourage him to come forward.

Officers have played some of Parker’s favourite Disney songs through patrol vehicle speakers. Searchers have also placed Goldfish crackers in certain areas in hopes that the familiar snack may attract his attention.

Missing-person posters featuring Parker’s photograph have also been placed on lampposts and throughout the community.

Parker’s Family Describes Their Heartbreak

During the early stages of the search, Parker’s family released a statement describing him as a deeply loved son, brother and friend.

The family said his disappearance had become every parent’s worst nightmare. They explained that each passing hour without knowing Parker’s location or whether he is safe has caused tremendous emotional pain.

Public concern surrounding the case has encouraged widespread participation, with residents sharing information and helping search local areas.

False AI Content Disrupts Investigation

While social media has helped spread awareness, police say online misinformation has also slowed the investigation.

Authorities have been required to examine manipulated photographs and videos created using artificial intelligence. Some posts falsely claimed to show Parker or provide information about his location.

One fabricated report claimed the boy had been found dead. A fraudulent GoFundMe campaign was also created in connection with the case.

Police have asked the public to avoid sharing unverified information because false claims consume investigative resources and may distract search teams from legitimate leads.

Amber Alert Rules Face Renewed Questions

Parker’s disappearance has also raised concerns about how authorities notify the public when vulnerable children go missing.

Amber Alerts are generally reserved for cases involving children who have been abducted and are believed to be in immediate danger.

An Amber Alert was issued for Parker as a special exception, but it was not sent until the second day of the search.

Following the case, at least two Calgary mothers launched online petitions calling for emergency alert systems to include additional categories, such as missing neurodivergent children.

Supporters argue that vulnerable children who may be unable to communicate, recognize danger or ask for assistance could benefit from faster and broader public notifications.

The search for Parker remains active, with police continuing operations on the ground, in the air and around waterways. Residents, property owners and real estate agents are being urged to check vacant homes and other possible hiding places carefully.

Authorities remain hopeful and stress that verified information should be reported directly to police rather than shared through unconfirmed social media posts.