New Jersey

Thief Steals iPad From Man With Autism

A heartbroken South Jersey mother says she lost the only way of communicating with her son when a thief stole his iPad.

Stacie Sanchez told NBC10 she was bringing groceries inside her apartment on Evergreen Road in Woodbury, New Jersey around 11 a.m. Tuesday when the unidentified thief struck.

“It [the door to the apartment building] was propped open with a case of Yoo-hoo and some juice,” she said. “And then this door [to her apartment unit] was unlocked and I was coming in and out.”

As she was bringing in groceries, a thief stole an iPad that her son Robert, who has Down syndrome and autism, uses to communicate with her.

“To other people it’s just a toy,” Sanchez said. “But for my son it’s the way he speaks to me. How he tells me what’s wrong. How he’s feeling, what he wants and what he needs.”

Robert, 22, received the iPad four years ago as a gift from the Autism Foundation of New Jersey. The iPad has the software “Go Talk Now” which allows him to communicate.

“He didn’t sleep last night,” Sanchez said. “He kept waking up. It has software on it where he can touch and it has pictures. And the pictures will make sounds and he identifies the sounds with the picture.”

Sanchez called police and Apple to check on a warranty. So far the location service “Find My iPad” hasn’t helped.

“I don’t have money to replace it and I really need it,” she said. “Whoever has it, it’s like, just give it back! Just turn it in! I think they’re heartless! It’s not a toy for us! It’s how we talk to each other! Other moms, their kids say mommy, daddy every day! Not my son!”

Woodbury Police told NBC10 there are no surveillance cameras at the complex. They are hoping someone will come forward.

If you have any information on the theft, please call Woodbury Police at 856-845-0065.

If you would like to donate or help the family, email Donna Dzinski at Donna.dzinski@gmail.com or call HollyDell School & Adult Programs at 856-307-2089.
 

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