The Amber Alert GPS, is a small, wireless device that can assist parents with locating their child if they wander off, which is a common tendency for people with autism. It can also be used by caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

The device can be sewn into clothes or clipped onto a belt. Once the system is activated, a parent or caregiver can check on the location of their child or loved one using a cell phone or computer. A parent can set up a safe zone for their child. If the child moves outside of that safety zone, a text message with a link to a map showing the child's location will be sent to the cell phone numbers programmed into the device. The system will continue to send messages every five minutes with an updated location.

The system can also send an alert if the child’s speed increases, for example if they have moved from walking to being inside a vehicle. Parents can also be alerted if the device goes below or above a certain temperature, for example, if a child is left in an overheated car or has wandered out on a cold day.

The device also has an SOS button, which the wearer can press in case of an emergency. Parents can also set a destination alert. For example, the parent can be alerted when the child arrives at school.

“You can’t have your eye on them 24 hours a day. Once, Nathan wandered off while I was in the bathroom,” said Fougere, whose son Nathan has autism.

“This can truly save lives. I wish they had something like this when he was younger.”

For each device purchased online using the code CNAF, Amber Alert GPS Canada will donate $25 to the Winona-based Canadian National Autism Foundation, which promotes autism awareness, assists families with information and support and raises funds for Canadian-based autism research.

Russell Thornton of Salt Lake City, Utah created the Amber Alert GPS Global Monitoring System after his three-year-old son went missing at an amusement park for 45 minutes. Russell recovered his son safely, but the experience inspired him to develop a product that would prevent such incidents or provide a quick resolution. Last summer, Kenneth Corey of Vancouver acquired the rights to sell the system in Canada.

It became available here just before Christmas.

Bob Brown, general manager, eastern Canada for Amber Alert GPS Canada, says the company is using the Amber Alert name to increase awareness and adds that Bruce Seybert, creator of the Amber Alert System endorses the device. The Amber Alert system, used across North America, puts out widespread information about a child who has been abducted and is believed to be in danger.

In return, the for-profit company will donate a portion of its proceeds to strengthen the Amber Alert System and Amber Alert GPS Canada will fund the annual award, Commitment to Kids in memory of Amber Hagerman.

The price for the Amber Alert GPS with a two-year monitoring contract is $299 or $279 with a three-year contract. Three monitoring packages are available at $50 or less per month.

For more information or to order, visit www.cnaf.net and click on the link to Amber Alert GPS Canada. When ordering, use the code CNAF.