Autistic Boy Who Disappeared Faces Another Challenge

Robert Wood Jr. has a hole in his esophagus

An 8-year-old autistic boy who got lost in the Virginia wilderness for almost a week may be in the hospital longer than expected.

Robert Wood Jr. is being treated for a hole in his esophagus. His grandmother, Norma Jean Williams, told the Free-Lance-Star of Fredericksburg she believes the tear was caused by something the boy ate while he was lost in the woods in Hanover County.

The boy got lost Sunday, Oct. 23 and was found Friday, Oct. 28. He is recovering at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical Center and doctors say he is in good condition.

Robert was with his father in the North Anna Battlefield Park, just north of Richmond, when the two got separated.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch published a statement from the boy's father saying he believes he’s been seen in a negative light following his son’s disappearance.

Thousands of people volunteered to search for the child, who does not speak.

He was found lying in the fetal position near a rock quarry close to the park.

Robert's grandmother said she was preparing herself for the news her grandson was dead when she got word he was found alive. The volunteer who found Robert told police he wishes to remain anonymous.

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