Bliss soldier diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome missing more than two months
The mother of a Fort Bliss soldier missing for more than two months tell ABC-7 they are concerned because he suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome.
Private Devon Ward joined the Army in July of 2015. He was stationed at Fort Bliss upon completing basic training.
Maureen Ward told ABC-7 her son started acting differently during his time on post. She said he was very open and talkative, but soon shut down and became depressed.
“I just want to be able to hear my son’s voice and have him say, ‘I love you mom,'” Maureen said.
Private Ward went AWOL in May of 2016 and was found days later in New Mexico. Upon returning, Ward’s mother says the Army was planning on releasing Ward since going AWOL, but agreed on giving him an honorable discharge.
On May 25, Ward went missing again, but this time never returned. Two months later, the army now considers the soldier a deserter. His mother said it is unlike him to disappear and to not have contact with her.
“I am worried he thinks we are ashamed of him because he thinks he didn’t succeed,” Maureen said.
Doctors now consider Asperger’s syndrome as part of a broader category called “autism spectrum disorder” (ASD). Deemed a “high-functioning” type of ASD, the symptoms of Asperger’s are less severe than other kinds of autism spectrum disorders.
The United States Army and the El Paso Police Department are searching for Ward. Police told ABC-7 they cannot arrest nor detain Ward since there isn’t a warrant out for his arrest. They can only notify the Army of his whereabouts.
