Long Island, New York — In a remarkable and alarming incident, an 11-year-old boy with autism successfully ordered an Uber and traveled alone to New York’s JFK Airport without his parents’ knowledge.

The boy, Josiah Johnson, left his family home early Sunday morning, carrying luggage. Surveillance footage captured him approaching the rideshare vehicle and asking, “Hi. Are you the Uber?” before getting in and departing for the airport.

His parents woke up to discover him missing, immediately entering a state of panic. “We’re literally in frantic mode at that point,” his father recalled.

Josiah managed to make it all the way to JFK Airport, where he was found wandering inside the terminal. He even reached the TSA security line before airport staff intervened and contacted Port Authority Police. He was safely taken to a command post, where EMS evaluated him. His father later picked him up.

When asked why he ran away, Josiah explained that he wanted to go to Japan to visit the city of Fukuyama.

The incident has raised serious questions about rideshare company policies. According to Uber’s guidelines, riders must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult. Drivers are expected to cancel trips if they encounter an unaccompanied minor.

Josiah’s mother expressed disbelief: “He looks like a child. Why would you let him get in your car and pull off?” His father added, “If that’s your policy, how did this driver let an 11-year-old ride alone?”

Uber has stated they are concerned about the incident and have reached out to the family.

While the family is incredibly grateful that Josiah is safe, the event has become a major wake-up call. His parents are now urging other families with children on the autism spectrum to remain vigilant. “This could happen to you,” his father warned.

The story highlights both the independence and vulnerabilities of children with autism, as well as gaps in safety protocols for ridesharing services.