I know that this case has been spoken about alot on this board so here is a link that might interest some people -
http://www.v-e-n-u-s.com/gordonpagejr.htm

Interesting. If it's somehow true, I wonder how he managed to get to California. Somebody must be taking care of him.

Man, if this is true she must be one heck of a good psychic! That's a convincing account of detailed evidential work.

Many autistics are known to have increased ability to function in everyday life as they get older. They become better able to process the world around them. It's very common in fact.

Gordon's psychiatric medication is what made him behave irrationally... and he was only on that because one of the programs he'd been placed in required it. (Autism isn't a mental disease but a neurological condition that affects learning and behavior. links below) If he stopped taking it, it would eventually clear out of his system. He'd be much better off without it. Maybe someone picked him up and gave him a job.

I would very much like to believe this. I pray that it is true.

==
Neurotribes -- new book on autism history by Steve Silberman (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/23/books/review/neurotribes-by-steve-silberman.html)

Some Autistics Don't Want A Cure (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/25/they-don-t-want-an-autism-cure.html)

How about not curing us? Some autistics are pleading. (http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/20/health/how-about-not-curing-us-some-autistics-are-pleading.html?_r=0)

If this story is true, there is a huge question that still remains unanswered. Why did Gordon never make contact with his parents? I realize that his autisim isn't a mental disease, so surely he could tell whoever was taking care of him the name of his parents and then they could try and contact them.

That's what bothered me... the fact that by all accounts he was trying to return to his family. He would at least let them know he was all right. Like I said, I pray that it's really him, but it's something that can't be substantiated without further investigation.

Her story sounds like complete b.s. to me. Sorry to say it, but it just doesn't ring true to me. Seems to me that if all these events happened like she says, Gordon Sr. would have put out the word that his son might be in the San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf area. I've lived here for 13 years and am in that area frequently and have never seen a flyer or heard anything regarding Gordon being seen there. I would like for it to be true, but I don't believe it. Sorry.

I have followed this case from the first time I saw it on Unsolved Mysteries and having put The Gordon Page Jr. Name through Search Engines ona regular basis none of this story is seen anywhere. I am not saying it is true or it is false. I just want to know why UM hasn't mentioned this?

^ I'm not sure what you are driving at but Gordon Page Jr. is still indeed missing. His profile is listed at the DOE NETWORK currently - I don't have a link handy right now but saw his profile on there when I was going through the listings of missing persons the other night.

I am well aware that Gordon Page Jr. is still missing. I am wondering why this sighting in San Francisco was not mentioned anywhere or that Gordon Sr. went to Pyschic? I am writer who is planning to write a article on Gordon Page Jr. to keep his story alive so that he may be found. I take his case a little personally because I have son in the autistic spectrum. I hope that helps. I want to see Gordon found it has been 15 years to long.

This guy reminds me of my brother who passed away. What pisses me off is that his parents, who seem to have all the money in the world, just shipped him off and let someone else take care of him. I could never imagine living in my household without my brother, no matter how difficult it was at time. If his parents would have just learned how to care for him this would have never happened.
I hope he is found and still alive. I hope that story is true. I hope he can be back with his family. But maybe he's happier where he is. Autistic people are amazing. My brother was never medicated and he was the most amazing person I have ever know.

Ouch. That's kinda harsh, man.

If you watch the segment, this happened during a time when not much was known about autism. The only reason the Pages left Gordon at the group home was because they were told it was the best choice for him. I'm certain that if the situation were to unfold itself today, the Pages WOULD have been educated on how to care for Gordon and they WOULD have done just htat. Gordon Page, Sr. is one of the most sympathetic folks I've seen on the show. He beats himself up regularly over his decision.

I don't think it was a matter of not wanting to deal with Gordon. I think it was more a decision on what was best for him. Unfortunately, this happened before we knew a lot about autism and because of that, Gordon suffered.

I completely agree. The Pages seemed to be doing what they thought was best given the information they had at the time. If they just wanted to ship him off for their convenience, they wouldn't have kept him home through his high school years. A lot has been learned about autism in the 18 years since Gordon disappeared. Most people had never even heard of autism in 1991.

Ouch. That's kinda harsh, man.

If you watch the segment, this happened during a time when not much was known about autism. The only reason the Pages left Gordon at the group home was because they were told it was the best choice for him. I'm certain that if the situation were to unfold itself today, the Pages WOULD have been educated on how to care for Gordon and they WOULD have done just htat. Gordon Page, Sr. is one of the most sympathetic folks I've seen on the show. He beats himself up regularly over his decision.

I don't think it was a matter of not wanting to deal with Gordon. I think it was more a decision on what was best for him. Unfortunately, this happened before we knew a lot about autism and because of that, Gordon suffered.

This guy reminds me of my brother who passed away. What pisses me off is that his parents, who seem to have all the money in the world, just shipped him off and let someone else take care of him. I could never imagine living in my household without my brother, no matter how difficult it was at time. If his parents would have just learned how to care for him this would have never happened.
I hope he is found and still alive. I hope that story is true. I hope he can be back with his family. But maybe he's happier where he is. Autistic people are amazing. My brother was never medicated and he was the most amazing person I have ever know.Yes, clearly Gordon's parents were made of pure evil and just got tired of him. :rolleyes: Please. It is very common for young adults with disabilities to enter group homes that are designed to help them achieve a little bit of independence and have their own life. I know a family who is in this situation, and while the separation was difficult at first, the young woman is really thriving. Does that mean group homes are for everyone? No. Does your situation mean that all autistic people should live with their families? No. Gordon's parents are probably still tearing their hearts out over their decision.

Yes, I agree with the majority, the parents are not at fault. To be honest, you could tell by looking them that they were suffering plenty with what consequences their decision to leave Gordie in a group home caused. They certainly did not need folks piling on more. Gordie was put into a group home in 1989 at great reluctance by his parents. At that time, and when he disappeared in 1991, little was known about autism. Certainly little was known compared to what is known now. As a person who has aspergers syndrome, I can somewhat relate although aspergers is a 'milder' version of autism.

However I have zero doubt that Gordie's parents loved him, did not want to get rid of him and are not even negligent. They did what they thought was best for their son after heavy prodding from these group home directors that saw dollar signs and did not really appear to care about the patients, they certainly did not keep them regularly supervised, at least it does not sound like the home Gordie ran away from did. But yeah, I feel bad for Gordie and his parents, you could tell they felt awful about it, if they would have had to do it all over again they would have taken Gordie to Florida with them. I really truly hope Gordon Page Jr is still alive somewhere.

Ouch. That's kinda harsh, man.

If you watch the segment, this happened during a time when not much was known about autism. The only reason the Pages left Gordon at the group home was because they were told it was the best choice for him. I'm certain that if the situation were to unfold itself today, the Pages WOULD have been educated on how to care for Gordon and they WOULD have done just htat. Gordon Page, Sr. is one of the most sympathetic folks I've seen on the show. He beats himself up regularly over his decision.

I don't think it was a matter of not wanting to deal with Gordon. I think it was more a decision on what was best for him. Unfortunately, this happened before we knew a lot about autism and because of that, Gordon suffered.


Well said, CRicci.

Every time I watch that segment, my heart just aches for GP, Sr. You can tell he was heartbroken over what happened and he would give anything to have it back so he could keep Gordie home.

I don't think it is at all fair to say his parents didn't care and "just shipped him off." I honestly think they thought he would get better care elsewhere as they couldn't give him what he needed. Sometimes you love something so much that you have to let it go (or at least go somewhere else more suited).

I still pray for that poor family and I pray Mr. Page can someday forgive himself. After all, he didn't do anything wrong, but I'm sure he still feels an insane amount of guilt.

Why is this just coming to light now? I mean 1999 was 10 years ago, anything could have happened in that amount of time. People's recollections fade in time, and if she's just coming forward with this now, why wait so long? I really don't think this sighting is credible, too many things about it don't add up.

I remember this story from years ago and just saw it again yesterday. What bothered me is that his parents were in such a hurry to move to Florida. Why didn't they take him to Florida and look for a group home there? It just seems very selfish to me.

Sometimes such a home is best for the affected family member. For those wishing insight on such a decision, please listen to Act 2 of this http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?sched=1150 radio program.

Doesn't Gordon Page Jr. look a lot like Kenneth The Page from 30 Rock? They're dead ringers in one of the pictures of Gordon that I've seen.

I remember this story from years ago and just saw it again yesterday. What bothered me is that his parents were in such a hurry to move to Florida. Why didn't they take him to Florida and look for a group home there? It just seems very selfish to me.


I also thought they could have taken him to Florida and found a group home there for him. I sometimes can see why people put relatives with disabilities in group homes but leaving them 2,000 miles behind does sound a little hard to me.

i bet he probably passed away and was just never found sadly

i bet he probably passed away and was just never found sadly

Passed away indicates that he died of natural causes.

I have three other theories on Gordon Pages whereabouts other than death:

1. Mental health care is not the best in terms of clerical and adminitration. I think it's very possible that some poorly run mental health facility acquired Gordon Page and haven;t been able to connect him to his family. Hell He might even still be there.
2. Gordon may have merged into the homeless popultion in some city. He's become one of those "homeless crazies" that we always ignore. Hopefully he's found someway to survive. Maybe he found another homeless person who was willing to "school" him in survival on ths streets. Hopefully. :(
3. if Gordon Page was homeless or institutionalized for a while and say only recently got help or care that got him out of his situation. This benefactor may not be the most open or gregarious person. They may notbe aware of who Gordon really is or may not even care to find his original family.

Something to keep in mind is that if Gordon's appearance may be radically different after all these years. Especially considering how his life may be. I doubt we would even recognize him. I hate to say this, but malnutrition, physical handicap and an extremely worse mental condition would make him eve more unrecognizable. :(

Sadly I tend to side with the idea that Gordon is a homeless person, now.

[
Sadly I tend to side with the idea that Gordon is a homeless person, now.[/QUOTE]

Well, better homeless than dead...at least if he were homeless his family has a chance of finding him again...this is one case where I think there is real hope that they might be reunited again. (don't ask what I'm basing that on though, lol...maybe just wishful thinking?)

Passed away indicates that he died of natural causes.

I have three other theories on Gordon Pages whereabouts other than death:

1. Mental health care is not the best in terms of clerical and adminitration. I think it's very possible that some poorly run mental health facility acquired Gordon Page and haven;t been able to connect him to his family. Hell He might even still be there.
2. Gordon may have merged into the homeless popultion in some city. He's become one of those "homeless crazies" that we always ignore. Hopefully he's found someway to survive. Maybe he found another homeless person who was willing to "school" him in survival on ths streets. Hopefully. :(
3. if Gordon Page was homeless or institutionalized for a while and say only recently got help or care that got him out of his situation. This benefactor may not be the most open or gregarious person. They may notbe aware of who Gordon really is or may not even care to find his original family.

Something to keep in mind is that if Gordon's appearance may be radically different after all these years. Especially considering how his life may be. I doubt we would even recognize him. I hate to say this, but malnutrition, physical handicap and an extremely worse mental condition would make him eve more unrecognizable. :(

Sadly I tend to side with the idea that Gordon is a homeless person, now.

I agree with those possibilities. My friend works in social services and she has worked with several homeless people with physical and mental disabilities who were sometimes under the wing of another homeless person. Gordon's apperance would change a lot if depending on his diet/weight, grooming and other effects from not being cared for.

If this story is true, there is a huge question that still remains unanswered. Why did Gordon never make contact with his parents? I realize that his autisim isn't a mental disease, so surely he could tell whoever was taking care of him the name of his parents and then they could try and contact them.


Just a thought...but let's say for the sake of argument that he is alive and well, somewhere, homeless or otherwise. Could it be that he hasn't tried to contact his parents because he felt abandoned or betrayed by them because they put him in the group home? Just my 2 cents...

Soon after he went missing, I wonder how much effort his parents/family put into searching for him. Seeing that they live so far away from Michigan, were they able to effectively search for him? Assuming that they went to Michigan soon after finding out about his disappearance, how long did they stay in Michigan to search for him? Did they leave for Florida soon after and leave the search solely up to the Grand Rapids Police? I think a family's involvement in searching for their loved one is a great influence, for example, Christine Weinhard's tireless search for Craig Williamson.

Could it be that he hasn't tried to contact his parents because he felt abandoned or betrayed by them because they put him in the group home? Just my 2 cents

1. If Gordon is homeless, can he afford to contact his parents?
2. Is he even in a proper mental condition to even know that he should contact his parents. He may have much more than autism at this point. His mental state could have deteriotated to being clinicaly insane.

1. If Gordon is homeless, can he afford to contact his parents?
2. Is he even in a proper mental condition to even know that he should contact his parents. He may have much more than autism at this point. His mental state could have deteriotated to being clinicaly insane.


Excellent point. Your name is very appropriate. :D

Excellent point. Your name is very appropriate.

Thanks.


Actually my name choice is in in derision to Ted K, the Unabomber, who seemed to think he was some type of criminal genius. :D

I remember this story from years ago and just saw it again yesterday. What bothered me is that his parents were in such a hurry to move to Florida. Why didn't they take him to Florida and look for a group home there? It just seems very selfish to me.
I agree. It's not like there aren't any facilities in Florida. In fact, there are probably more here than in Michigan, especially with the huge elderly population here.

Just my two cents....since this story has always been close to my heart.

I've managed group homes for the developmentally disabled (or the outdated term, mentally ********) the past five years. I also have a neice that is DD and before working in the field, I could never imagine ever allowing her to be put in a group home. Here I am five years later, and I realize it's way too easy to judge people who put there loved ones in homes. Right now I work in a childrens group home (ages 8-9), and at first could not imagine how anyone could put their child in a home. But after the year I've spent there, I see this is hard work and regardless of how gifted or high-functioning the child is, a lot of times there are all sorts of behavior disorders or health issues that come with it. And let me tell you, some behaviors are way to much for the average person to handle. Way to much for an untrained parent, a single parent, or an aging parent to deal with. Can some parents do it on their own? Yes, but I can't judge the ones that decide they can't do it. We offer the children a chance to live a relatively normal life where they can be taught life skills, job training and anything else they are able to do in a supporting environment.

So enough with judging the Pages' and criticizing their decision. We don't know the whole story, we don't know what other issues Gordon may or may not have had. Elopement happens often enough in group homes, and how many times have I chased a 13 year-old boy across the street and thought about how easily he could have ended up like Gordon when staff had their heads turned. I pray that wherever Gordon is, he is safe and healthy. And I sincerely hope that there is a resolution to this someday.

I pray he is safe and healthy and happy too.His story is very sad.

Just watched this case, very sad.

I feel for the parents. Such a home was good for Gordon, it would have helped him interact with people like himself. Which is part of the reason he was sent there in the first place because he lost touch with people his own age.

Her story sounds like complete b.s. to me. Sorry to say it, but it just doesn't ring true to me. Seems to me that if all these events happened like she says, Gordon Sr. would have put out the word that his son might be in the San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf area. I've lived here for 13 years and am in that area frequently and have never seen a flyer or heard anything regarding Gordon being seen there. I would like for it to be true, but I don't believe it. Sorry.

Agreed. I think that it is baloney too. I am not a big believer in psychics either and we should all know the pitfalls of eyewitness identification by now.

Two things:

1. I too do not understand why Gordon Sr. did not try to find a similar group home closer to his new home in Florida. This would certainly have been better for both Gordon Jr. and Gordon Sr. - they could see each other more often (which both would have wanted, I am sure). Now, notice I said "I do not understand" not "the decision was wrong". There may have been some good reasons that went into the decision that I am just not privy to.

2. I agree with a previous poster on another thread which discussed this case - that something may have happened to him at the group home, and it was covered up. It would not be without precedent. // I just find it very unlikely that he would not have been found by now - either dead or alive. There have been many "sightings", but none of them have been corroborated. If you don't "show me the beef", I have a hard time believing there is any substance to the sightings. Just like so many other missing persons who are "sighted" many times in various locations, we later find out after discovering their bodies and doing the autopsy that they died within hours of disappearing.

Two things:

1. I too do not understand why Gordon Sr. did not try to find a similar group home closer to his new home in Florida. This would certainly have been better for both Gordon Jr. and Gordon Sr. - they could see each other more often (which both would have wanted, I am sure). Now, notice I said "I do not understand" not "the decision was wrong". There may have been some good reasons that went into the decision that I am just not privy to.

2. I agree with a previous poster on another thread which discussed this case - that something may have happened to him at the group home, and it was covered up. It would not be without precedent. // I just find it very unlikely that he would not have been found by now - either dead or alive. There have been many "sightings", but none of them have been corroborated. If you don't "show me the beef", I have a hard time believing there is any substance to the sightings. Just like so many other missing persons who are "sighted" many times in various locations, we later find out after discovering their bodies and doing the autopsy that they died within hours of disappearing.

Wow, interesting idea that I had never thought about, and apparently overlooked on the boards: That something happened at the group home and it was covered up!

I really liked what Kamy wrote, because I too have worked in an adult group home, and it usually is a better environment than being at home, believe it or not. At home, DD adults are often left alone, with very little social interaction, but at a group home they begin to feel "normal" and not stigmatized, as they do in the larger society. I also feel that Gordon may not been transferred to a home in Florida because change can be tragic and devastating for DD people, and I sense that they wanted to allow him to get comfortable in his current home before uprooting him.

That being said, I think the possibility that he was harmed at the home and it was covered up should be explored. It is as likely as him running away if you think about it. Group home, even to this day, are very poorly regulated, are usually private run facilities (often like a day care), with few employees (usually the owners and a very small staff). I can see an accident happening, or another person harming Gordon, and panic ensuing and a cover up happening.

I'm gonna have to go and read some of the earlier posts now :)

Poor Gordon, what could have happened?

Sadly I think he must have passed away already due to the elements. I just don't think he is in a shelter, especially for 20 years now. Or I guess next year it will be 20 years. So Sad. I can understand the parents decision to put him a group home.

I do believe they did this out of love. The parents will one day die and then what would have become of Gordon? I think they were just trying to prepare him for the inevitable. Make him a little more independent.

Well if that manager remembers seeing him there at a party at her health club then why not interview as many people as they can who were at that party at the health club ???

Did Gordon SR. go back to the psychic for more info ??

This story aired again today. Sad story. Has anyone ever checked to see if his fingerprints were on file and put into CODIS or another database?

His father states toward the end of the segment that they left him because they didn't know which direction they were going in... Those words must be haunting due the the direction they've been in since 1991.

I hope someday to read a solution to this mystery.

I'd like to hope Gordon was still alive, but after all these years I don't think it's likely. I think he continued living on the streets until he died from the elements. I don't buy the eyewitness account in San Francisco. How'd he make it all the way to California without Gordon telling them he was looking for his family in Florida? That's why I don't think he's living in a home. If he was I'm sure he would have been able to tell them his name and where his parents were living, either before or after their move to Florida. There is a slim chance he's living as a homeless person, lost and alone, and to IMHO that's even more of a heartbreak than if he were dead.

EDIT: As to the theory that Gordon may still be alive, albeit homeless, I have to ask just how has he been able to survive all these years jobless, with his mental condition? kamy posted on here about their experience with group homes, and it seems like Gordon definitely needed the support system (not to mention medication) of the group home to function properly. All of that was stripped away the day he ran away to find his family. I just can't conceive how he could still be alive without any help for the past twenty years.

To echo what Kamy said, I have worked in group homes for the DD and they are, for the most part, a healthy and safe place. When I worked there, it was my main goal to give the individuals every normal experience possible. They were family to me and my co-workers. They came to holidays at our homes, celebrated birthdays with us, came to our children's sporting events and plays and were treated very well. Many a time we used money from our own pockets to give our individuals a special treat. Yes, there are bad staff in group homes just like there are bad staff at every job, but they are the minority. I reported bad staff when I saw something not kosher going on. I refuse to judge families who place their loved ones. I know how had it was for us to manage the behaviors of some of our individuals and I couldn't imagine their often elderly parents doing so. I was punched in the face once. That individual had one living relative who was 75 years old. She could not manage his explosive tendencies.

It could be possible that something happened to Gordon in the home and it was covered up, but I don't find it probable. It would have had to have involved many staff keeping quiet for a very long time and I just don't see that happening. I think it's more likely he eloped and is a John Doe somewhere.

it seems like Gordon definitely needed the support system (not to mention medication) of the group home to function properly. All of that was stripped away the day he ran away to find his family. I just can't conceive how he could still be alive without any help for the past twenty years.


I agree. I cant see someone with the mentality of Gordy being able to survive out on the streets on his own. That would be like sending a 4 year old out to live on the streets, find food everyday and find shelter. I don't think that's reasonable without someones help. I have always thought that he either died due to the elements, or was picked up by someone (possibly a trucker) whom may have taken advantage of him and murdered him. I really hope that someday we will find out what happend to Gordy. I'd like him to be found. But, 20 years later, even his remains would be enough to put his parents at ease. At least they would know they found him.

Why didnt anybody speculate that whoever picked him up on the road while hes hitch-hiking could have simply killed him and buried his body somewhere remote?

I hate to say it, but i am certain a lot of the missing person cases are buried some place where nobody will ever find them.


There could might as well be 1,000 corpses lying out there that has yet to be found.


Thats sCaRy mANn ...

This year marks 20 years since Gordon disappeared. I know we all speculate as to where he might be or if he is still alive but does anyone know what became of his parents? His father looked older in the segment. I wonder if he is still alive? One of the saddest cases ever featured on UM.

This year marks 20 years since Gordon disappeared. I know we all speculate as to where he might be or if he is still alive but does anyone know what became of his parents? His father looked older in the segment. I wonder if he is still alive? One of the saddest cases ever featured on UM.

I believe they are both still alive in Florida getting close to 80? Gordon Jr. would be 48 if he's still alive. According to the UM wiki there are no extra notes.

I believe they are both still alive in Florida getting close to 80? Gordon Jr. would be 48 if he's still alive. According to the UM wiki there are no extra notes.

Around 80 sounds right for the Page parents. I wish there was a new UM or another type of show that would cover this case to give the public some new interest in this.

Around 80 sounds right for the Page parents. I wish there was a new UM or another type of show that would cover this case to give the public some new interest in this.

I agree. I think "Disappeared" would be perfect for this story.

I see it's been awhile since this topic has been discussed. Which I feel is really sad. I would have thought a case like this would have received more public attention since it first aired back in 1994 on Unsolved Mysteries. Here is a facebook page devoted on finding Gordie, or at least finding out what happened to him since. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Where-...30388463644845

I'm not sure if his parents are still alive, but even if they aren't Gordie had two younger brothers, which today both would be in their early to mid 40's. I think if we can get more people to pay attention, more people will want to find Gordie. Then finally his family can get the answers they have been looking for, and even more importantly, Gordie himself! Please share the facebook page with friends.

I tried to go to that Facebook page... it says not found. ??

I tried to go to that Facebook page... it says not found. ??

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Where-is-Gordie/130388463644845

try it now

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Where-is-Gordie/130388463644845

try it now

Yes, it works now. Thanks!

I'm wondering about getting this out to some of the autistic communities. A lot of them are pretty cynical though.

Yes, it works now. Thanks!

I'm wondering about getting this out to some of the autistic communities. A lot of them are pretty cynical though.

I say we start off some by sharing the page with other facebook friends, and hope to expand on that!:)

Thought I would bump this up on Gordon's 49th birthday. Hoping they can find him or what happened to him soon.

This is so sad! It has now been 21 YEARS since the Pages have seen their son. I just sent an email to the Chattanooga police department, regarding their case # FA91-1, an unidentified person found in Hamilton County, Tennessee, in July 1991. I told them to contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office if it is a match. Hopefully it isn't Gordie, but if it is, at least we'll know.

I am so sad over this! God bless the Pages; if there is a god out there, I hope he/she can comfort them!

This is so sad! It has now been 21 YEARS since the Pages have seen their son. I just sent an email to the Chattanooga police department, regarding their case # FA91-1, an unidentified person found in Hamilton County, Tennessee, in July 1991. I told them to contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office if it is a match. Hopefully it isn't Gordie, but if it is, at least we'll know.

I am so sad over this! God bless the Pages; if there is a god out there, I hope he/she can comfort them!

Gordon's parents have started "The Gordon and Linda Page Family Foundation" as mentioned on the "Where is Gordie" Facebook page.

Could this be Gordon Page Sr.?: http://www.facebook.com/#!/gordon.page.7

I also did more digging and found this guy who looks like what Gordon Page Jr. did with a goatee: http://www.facebook.com/#!/gordon.page.357

Have people gone through the Doe network looking for him specifically?

I tried googling "The Gordon and Linda Page Family Foundation" and didn't come up with much of anything. Can you tell me where I can find more info? I already liked the facebook page.

i felt bad for the dad. He is in the worst case scenario. No proof his son is alive or dead. When you think about it: people go missing everyday and as so many days and years pass, a lot of them never reappear in the lives of their loved ones.

I always felt so bad for Gordon as they showed his "parents" leaving him.

Too bad UM doesn't get another host and produce new shows.

I've wondered whether the police or investigators have ever run his fingerprints in CODIS. They must have them from when he was arrested.

Perhaps a psychic could help in this case.

Just one clue or tip could get this rolling.

Have y'all seen the story about this man, the North Pond Hermit? Apparently he is on the spectrum and lived virtually undetected (other than folks noticing stuff being stolen) in the woods of Maine for 27 years.

http://www.gq.com/news-politics/newsmakers/201409/the-last-true-hermit

I wonder if Gordon could be out there somewhere, living like this gentleman.

According to Gordon's Charley Project page it says despite his trouble with communicating with people, he still liked swimming, playing sports, and shopping at music, antique, and memorabilia shops. It also says there is a possibility that Gordon might be working with migrant workers or as a farm hand. There's a strong indication that Gordon would in fact be able to function on his own without the aid of a group home or support system, so that ups the odds that he's alive and well greatly. Granted, he might also be homeless, because the CP page says he liked to tent in campsites. Gordon could also be suffering from some sort of memory loss, not knowing his true name or where his family lived. The one thing that causes me to think Gordon may be dead is the lack of sightings since shortly after he disappeared. There was some purported sightings of someone looking like Gordon hitch-hiking in Grand Rapids, MI, and then the baseball card collection being found under an overpass. I think the odds that this was Gordon are pretty good, since three of his favorite players were separated from the rest of the cards. But after that (I think the sightings and the cards being found were in 1991) there has been absolutely nothing. I wonder if he ever even made it out of Michigan.

That was a really interesting article, Necco. Thanks for posting it. I would love to believe that Gordy is still alive, but I'm not sure that I believe he is in my heart. I hope so, and that he and his family are one day able to come together again. They've lost so much time apart.

I wonder what form/type of autism he had.i know autism was new. Maybe only a handful of group homes were available to autistic. Maybe being new they just didn't know how to deal with it.
Clearly,if he was picked up and put into a hospital they would know how to diagnose him for what ever they thought was wrong. (Autism was new.. there was probably a different treatment then that they were tweaking) I knew a autistic lady 12 years ago or so.She repeated the same sentence over and over it reminded me of my uncle who has schizophrenia. There are some powerful drugs out there back then. Imagine e if you took the wrong pill.
Even if Gordon was still in a hospital now he may have be misdiagnosed leading to some sort of memory loss depending on how many years of meds he took for whatever they thought he had. He knew his name and other information we saw on the tape.
You would clearly remember a guy if you picked him up. You would even notice a homeless man. *I do because I have an interst in psychiatry*
I feel for husband parents I do hope they get answers and closure.

yes, I think the Pages seem like a nice couple, but I never understood why Gordie had to stay in Michigan while they left for Florida. Was there no facilities capable of handling him in Florida?

I can't pick on the Pages, really at all. Not as much was known about Autism back then and you can see the raw pain on their faces as they talk about how they left Gordon, even after he pleaded for them not to. Yeah, you know they've spent every moment of their life regretting that decision.

Sorry to bump old thread but I have just seen this on tonights show and it brought me to tears.

My dear son who is 3 in seven days, is currently under investigation for Autism. The mother said that she didnt realise that there was anything wrong with Gordy because it was her first child and it was so upsetting as the same thing happened to me. I thought Dayton was normal for a long time. He also has a special memory.

I really hope that Gordy came to no harm. Life is difficult without your family never mind with a disability as complex as Autism.

Anyone have an update of any sort?

Anyone have an update of any sort?

still missing, there's been no news on the case for years.

My dear son who is 3 in seven days, is currently under investigation for Autism. ....I thought Dayton was normal for a long time. He also has a special memory.

He is normal. He is autistic-normal, is all, you know what I mean. Some day autism won't be considered a pathology, just different. There will be more and better accommodations. Stay away from Autism Speaks... the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (http://autisticadvocacy.org/) is better, it's run by autistics.

There is a new book out, Neurotribes by Steve Silverman, that might help. I always tell people to read Not Even Wrong by Paul Collins about his own autistic son whom he saw as normal.

If Dayton has sensory issues try Autism Sensory Toys (http://www.nationalautismresources.com/sensorytoys.html)

If he seems to have eye trouble try irlen.com (http://www.irlen.com) -- I don't know what I'd do without'em.

Looks like it's been a while since this has been discussed. I just saw Gordon's story again on Unsolved Mysteries today, and I wanted to see if there were any updates. It makes me sad to see some of the criticism against the Pages. As the sister of a young man who was severely developmentally disabled, I thought I could help clear something up about their situation.

First, as many have mentioned, very little was known about autism when Gordon was diagnosed. For years, his family was told he was schizophrenic. When he was finally correctly diagnosed, they still knew very little about what they were dealing with. There's nothing more difficult for a loving parent than having to send their child away, even knowing that it's best for them. My mother dealt with the agonizing decision of having to admit my brother to a pediatric nursing home when he was thirteen years old, because he was physically too big for her to be able to bathe and lift on her own, and because he required 24-7 skilled nursing care that, being a working mother to two other children, she just wasn't able to provide herself. In the end, it was the best possible decision she could have made.

When my brother was in his late twenties, my mother relocated to Florida. She wanted to bring him with her, but after a lot of searching, she couldn't find a facility that was suitable enough to care for him. Because my older brother (also in his late twenties) still lived close by to my brother's nursing home, she felt comfortable leaving any urgent or day-to-day decisions regarding my brother's care in his hands, and she visited as often as possible. I don't know what the situation is like in Tampa, where the Pages relocated to, but in South Florida, I can verify that there are few options when it comes to skilled nursing facilities. Nursing homes are somewhat scarce due to the fact that most people who relocate there have a decent amount of savings, and will usually spend that money to hire a full-time caregiver so that they can stay in their own homes. That aside, a person with autism has very different needs than an elderly individual. It would not have served Gordon well at all to be in a facility meant for geriatric patients. People with autism also thrive on routine, and it's likely that his parents thought that uprooting him, especially when he had just recently been correctly diagnosed, would have disrupted the progress he'd made and may have been traumatic for him. Lastly, the Unsolved Mysteries story mentioned that Gordon's parents had moved to Florida, but it doesn't mention whether their two other sons (who appeared to be college age in the photos show) went with them. If the other Page boys remained in the Michigan area, their parents probably felt confident in entrusting them to look in on their brother.

With regard to Gordon's fate, I'm personally not very confident that he is alive, unfortunately. Based on the sightings, I think it's most likely that he either succumbed to the elements, or ran into the wrong person, which is a situation he would have been vulnerable to, considering his condition.

I did a bit of digging around, and found Gordon Sr.'s current business page. As a former car dealer himself, it appears that he currently works as a broker to assist in buying and selling car dealerships. He was mentioned as being 55 in a newspaper article I read in 1991, so he would now be 80 years old. I sincerely hope that he and his wife are able to find out what happened to their son. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for them.

I agree with you. The study of mental illness at the time was in its infancy, those medications that was prescribed to Gordon could had very well damaged him mentally without his parents or the doctors even realizing. Perhaps he did start acting out in ways that was probably even different for him. I have to agree with him most likely running Into foul play as well. I would like to believe He is alive, and maybe his body will be found. I'm pretty sure His father has enough guilt already with having to put him away in a home, I don't blame it on him at all.

He is normal. He is autistic-normal, is all, you know what I mean. Some day autism won't be considered a pathology, just different. There will be more and better accommodations. Stay away from Autism Speaks... the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (http://autisticadvocacy.org/) is better, it's run by autistics.

There is a new book out, Neurotribes by Steve Silverman, that might help. I always tell people to read Not Even Wrong by Paul Collins about his own autistic son whom he saw as normal.

If Dayton has sensory issues try Autism Sensory Toys (http://www.nationalautismresources.com/sensorytoys.html)

If he seems to have eye trouble try irlen.com (http://www.irlen.com) -- I don't know what I'd do without'em.

I thank you greatly for this, as I have a child family member who is on the spectrum and her parents are having a hard time trying to figure things out.

Any of you who has seen the Amazon segment would have seen a new composite of Gordon who would be aged now in his 50's.

Interesting that they didn't mention anything in the update about the baseball cards that were reportedly found under a bridge near where he disappeared from.

Thanks to Amazon I got to see this segment for the first time. So sad. Got tgesry at the parts where his dad was leaving him
And at the video at the very end


Also, Gordon Page was played by actor Doug Jones. He has a long list of credits to his name including several Guillermo Del Toro movies

I thank you greatly for this, as I have a child family member who is on the spectrum and her parents are having a hard time trying to figure things out.

You are most welcome. I am glad to be able to provide information.

There's a lot of controversy today about autism but with more autistic people speaking up and writing about our experiences I'm sure she and her parents will be able to find the right road (or roads) for her.

Thanks to Amazon I got to see this segment for the first time. So sad. Got tgesry at the parts where his dad was leaving him
And at the video at the very end


Also, Gordon Page was played by actor Doug Jones. He has a long list of credits to his name including several Guillermo Del Toro movies


Doug Jones is going to be in the new Star Trek series. He did a great job as Gordon. However I'll always remember him as a gentleman

Any of you who has seen the Amazon segment would have seen a new composite of Gordon who would be aged now in his 50's.

Interesting that they didn't mention anything in the update about the baseball cards that were reportedly found under a bridge near where he disappeared from.

I never knew about the baseball cards.

That kinda leads me to believe he was murdered

I remember freaking out when I found out that the actor had portrayed a Gentleman... one of the best episodes of that particular series, if you ask me. :)

I saw this segment for the first time last night; other posters had talked about sad it was, but I was unprepared for how utterly heartbreaking it would turn out to be. Poor Gordon (trying - and failing - to hold down a job. Being misdiagnosed and pumped full of psychotropic drugs. Being sent to a group home which obviously distressed him enormously). His poor family.:(. What an unspeakable tragedy. I don't think there is any realistic prospect Gordon is alive, sadly.

On a (slightly) brighter note - kudos to the child actor who portrayed him. During a time when much less was known about autism, he nailed the mannerisms and vocal intonations often observed in autistic children with almost uncanny precision, without his performance ever coming off as exaggeration or parody.

On a side note, I met Doug Jones at a convention in NYC back in 2010. One of the nicest dudes I've met; very personable. He gave everyone who came up to him a hug.

I talked w/ him about Hocus Pocus, Batman Returns, and the Hellboy movies.



https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4240/34791954913_cf5522fd48_o.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4272/34759673404_bbcf4d0c9b_o.jpg

Autism isn't a disease. I hope people realize that having autism doesn't mean you aren't "normal". You can be perfectly okay living with autism and be functioning. Celebrities have it, like Daryl Hannah.

I believe it will take time, but people will get it. The more autistics speak up (or type up), the more publicity it gets and the sooner Autism Speaks will be exposed for the money-making scam it always was and there will be no more tragedies like what happened with Gordon.

Autism isn't a disease. I hope people realize that having autism doesn't mean you aren't "normal". You can be perfectly okay living with autism and be functioning. Celebrities have it, like Daryl Hannah.

Autism isn't a disease. I hope people realize that having autism doesn't mean you aren't "normal". You can be perfectly okay living with autism and be functioning. Celebrities have it, like Daryl Hannah.

This. So very this. Speaking as someone on the spectrum, I suffer more from a society that alternates between demonizing people like me or patronizing people like me and won't bother to make any accommodations whatsoever.

Steve Silberman wrote a fantastic book about the history of the Autism diagnosis and how it was treated called NeuroTribes. If I had it my way, if I was some Grand High Dictator of the World, I would force everyone to read it, but alas I am not.

Still, this one quote by him totally sums up my beliefs.

By focusing exclusively on long-range research into alleged “risk factors” for autism, while ignoring the need to dramatically improve the quality of life for autistic people and their families today, we fool ourselves into thinking that autism is a “puzzle” that will be solved by the next medical breakthrough. Instead, what autism really is, an enormous population of men and women with tremendous potential who are being denied what everyone deserves: the chance to live a happy, healthy, safe, secure and productive life. Viewed in this light, autistic people are one of the largest disenfranchised minorities in the world.
Imagine if society had put off the issue of civil rights until the genetics of race were sorted out, or denied wheelchair users access to schools and public buildings while insisting, “Someday, with the help of science, everyone will walk.” Viewed as a form of disability that is relatively common rather than as a baffling medical enigma, autism is not so “puzzling” after all. Designing appropriate forms of support and accommodations is not beyond our capabilities as a society, as the history of the disability rights movement proves.


That's about the half of it. Maybe there are some people who would genuinely benefit from a cure, but it likely won't come for decades. So in the mean time, why don't we take care of the Autistic people we have now, by funding the very real, scientifically-backed therapies that provide great aid and help to those who need them.

This. So very this. Speaking as someone on the spectrum, I suffer more from a society that alternates between demonizing people like me or patronizing people like me and won't bother to make any accommodations whatsoever.

Steve Silberman wrote a fantastic book about the history of the Autism diagnosis and how it was treated called NeuroTribes. If I had it my way, if I was some Grand High Dictator of the World, I would force everyone to read it, but alas I am not.

Still, this one quote by him totally sums up my beliefs.

That's about the half of it. Maybe there are some people who would genuinely benefit from a cure, but it likely won't come for decades. So in the mean time, why don't we take care of the Autistic people we have now, by funding the very real, scientifically-backed therapies that provide great aid and help to those who need them.

Very well said. I'm just glad people are finally understanding autism. Hopefully we can shed the stigma and focusing on, as you said, helping the people with Autism today live a rich and successful life.

If only they had that kind of understanding years ago for people like Gordon Page, Jr. :(

Though I cannot pick on Gordon's parents like at all. You can see the raw pain written all over their faces. They regretted leaving him every day of their lives

Ok I can do without the scary pics!

Lots of sad stories out there but this one was especially heartbreaking to me.

Yes the parents love & miss him. And yes, not much was known about his condition back then.

But two things:

The story was presented like they never tried to find out what was wrong with him until adulthood. First mom says they thought he was normal then she says they knew something was wrong from the beginning.

In the vid, he was working at the grocery store and his dad couldn't get him to remember his full name. If it's that bad, how can you not seek help the whole time he's growing up?

Second, leaving him. It wasn't because they were afraid to change his surroundings. He was in a different home when they moved. They then moved him to the home he left from.

And when that home suggested 2 months separation, why was this presented as if they'd never been separated before?

They lived in FL. Even if they came up once a week, which I doubt, that's a significant amount of time to be separated.

Not judging. Just curious. I know UM leaves a lot out. And with any situation, in real life or tv, there's always pieces we don't know.

Right or wrong, what's done is done.

But those things just really stood out to me.

Ok I can do without the scary pics!

Lots of sad stories out there but this one was especially heartbreaking to me.

Yes the parents love & miss him. And yes, not much was known about his condition back then.

But two things:

The story was presented like they never tried to find out what was wrong with him until adulthood. First mom says they thought he was normal then she says they knew something was wrong from the beginning.

My guess is that it was a combo of information on Autism not being as well known back then, and parents who were probably in denial to a certain degree. I don't doubt for a second that his parents loved him and wanted the best for him. But I think they still had trouble really accepting what was happening. Sometimes people want something to be ok so bad that they ignore what is staring them in the face. Perhaps they thought they could just medicate Gordy into being "normal." So what resulted was Gordy most likely being over-mediated and not truly diagnosed.

I just have to wonder if they knew then what they know now, would Gordy have ever gone missing? Probably not.

Second, leaving him. It wasn't because they were afraid to change his surroundings. He was in a different home when they moved. They then moved him to the home he left from.

And when that home suggested 2 months separation, why was this presented as if they'd never been separated before?

They lived in FL. Even if they came up once a week, which I doubt, that's a significant amount of time to be separated.

Yes, their original plan always confused me as well with Gordan Jr. staying in Michigan. Did they just fly the 1,300 miles back every week to visit him? Were there no group homes or facilities that were closer to Tampa where they now lived?

We're lacking some information here. I'm guessing they must have been able to come back to visit him often because the Pages had already lived in Florida for two years when Gordan Jr. disappeared. It was only after he was transferred to the new home in Grand Rapids (with the two month rule) that the conflict arose.

I believe he wasn't heavily medicated anymore by then as well. Maybe the change of environment was also a factor in him wanting to run away?

sad that the first thing they tell him, to get into this group home, is oh you have to go to the hospital to see if he has to be "Stabilized". First thing they do is drug him up, to shut him up. Put him on Ritalin and Valium?

Ha. It's rarski!

Ha. It's rarski!

Sanders? that you? You need to reply to your email sometime lol
hit me up sometimes at rarjacob@gmail.com
:wave:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/tampa-fl/gordon-page-7741240

:(

No, there is no update (that I'm aware of) re: GP Jr., but I wanted to respond to this particular thread, given that this seems to be the most thorough & responded-to thread on this board re: this well-known UM MP case.

GP Jr. is definitely one of the saddest UM segment in the series. It's very unfortunate that he was mis-diagnosed for so long, that he couldn't hold down a job due to this disability, and that the last time his father saw him (at the group home) it was obvious that GP wanted to come home.

I completely understand why the parents didn't have GP living with them. He couldn't function well, and as such would need constant care that they probably couldn't provide. My understanding is that it is financially less expensive to place someone in a group home (which in some cases is state-run) than to hire 24-hour care for a person at a residence/private home. In any case, it was heart-breaking seeing the parents interviewed (especially the father, who is now deceased); they both were very likeable & were obviously very concerned for their son.

I suspect that GP just wandered out of the group home & ended up homeless somewhere, or possibly ended up in a shelter/another group home. However, it's unfortunately more likely that he's deceased. I'm not surprised he has never been found. I.e., since he himself wouldn't have been able to contact his parents & since he probably didn't have any contact information (for his family) on his person, it seems evident that he probably just slipped through the cracks somewhere. Very tragic.

I completely understand why the parents didn't have GP living with them. He couldn't function well, and as such would need constant care that they probably couldn't provide. My understanding is that it is financially less expensive to place someone in a group home (which in some cases is state-run) than to hire 24-hour care for a person at a residence/private home.

Not just that, but it's often advantageous for both the family and the patient to get in ASAP because there is generally limited availability. It's also best if there isn't a plan for family/homecare to continue with a relative that they're in a home earlier rather than later for similar reasons. Frequently, the patients do better because they gain more of a sense of independence and the

He could have (and likely did) stay behind in Michigan because the process would have started over if he was a new resident of FL.

The whole idea of "group homes" had a bit of a stigma at that time - more so than they do now. I think they absolutely made the right choice and what happened is unfortunate, but not the parents' fault at all.

The parents and facility could have assumed that his previous runaway incident was a on-off due to bad meds. Though imo it sounds like Gordon impulsively wanted to have some fun, not visit his brother like he said - the reason given sounds more like a "Oops I'm caught, if I say this I won't be in trouble" answer since he wasn't caught traveling - he was off stealing a car and then trying to teach a class.

I agree that he's likely deceased -"high functioning autism" at the time of his diagnosis did not mean what it does now and he clearly wouldn't have the "street sense" to survive.

I used to think he was possibly still alive but when I recently rewatched the segment, all the video footage of Gordon showed a person who is used to responding to prompts and was confused when confronted with unfamiliar prompts. I think Gordon would struggle in the real world when confronted with a lot of unfamiliar situations - especially since he's always had someone caring for him and guiding him through life.

I've seen people compare Gordon to the man found working on a farm, but as the video clearly showed - following simple instructions was beyond his capabilities. I don't see Gordon handling working in the fields any better.

IMO, Gordon probably ran away impulsively because he was unhappy but where he got to (the underpass) didn't have an easy way for him to be caught or have an obvious safe space to go to (like a school) and he wouldn't have known what to do from there once the adrenaline/emotions wore off from his initial impulse to escape.

In their defense, this was the 80's/early 90's and people didn't know how to deal with autistic people back then and they were often misdiagnosed, as Gordon was, and put on medications that only made them worse. I believe those parents loved their son and did what they felt was best for him. After watching this segment and seeing his parents, I think it's kind of offensive to suggest that they just stuck him in a home because they were self centered and didn't want to have to care for him. They put him in that home for the same reason so many people put an elderly relative in a nursing home. Sometimes they require more care than the family is able to provide.

This was such a heartbreaking case -perhaps the saddest I've seen on UM. You could see the depth of love that both parents had for their son and the father's testimony of his last encounter with him, when he tried to jump in his father's car as he departed, was absolutely heartbreaking. I was desperately hoping for an update at the end saying that he'd been found but, sadly, no such luck

I don't fault the parents for placing him in a home. It was clear that they were given professional advice to do so and were trying to act out of what they thought was best for his well-being. One can legitimately argue whether the professional advice they received was the best or not -there are probably arguments that can be made on both sides -but the parents themselves wanted only the best for their son. You could see that it anguished them to be separated from him

It's sad there was so much ignorance and misinformation around about autism around back then (and still is now, although to a lesser extent). As someone who is mildly autistic, I know that my family and I encountered some of this lack of knowledge during that period of time as well. To their great credit, my parents actually ignored some of the advice they were given because it didn't sit right with them and they were proved correct and I managed to flourish. But I know it is a delicate balance to strike and it seemed that this family was trying so hard to find the right path that would make their son happy and make him prosper

I do wonder about the wisdom of the care facility in question not allowing the family to visit for two months while the patient got settled in. I can understand the logic behind it -seeing the family might confuse the patient and make them homesick, etc., but on the other hand it might have helped to see and be in contact with a familiar face, to have that reassuring presence, to know that they were close by on hand if needed. If the patient was having problems with the staff or fellow patients, a family member may have been the only one whom the patient would have been able to confide in or who would know how to ask the right questions to ascertain that information. Again, it's a delicate balance, I guess

Sadly, as much as I'd like to hope that Gordon is somehow in a home/mental hospital/homeless shelter somewhere, I think it's a remote possibility. I'm not sure also he'd have the life and communication skills that would enable him to be living independently and, if he was homeless, I'd be pessimistic about his chances of living on the street for this length of time. Stranger things have happened, though

If he is alive, though, I do hope he's managed to find some happiness or peace in some way and that he'll be able to cross paths with the surviving members of his family in some way.

This was such a heartbreaking case -perhaps the saddest I've seen on UM. You could see the depth of love that both parents had for their son and the father's testimony of his last encounter with him, when he tried to jump in his father's car as he departed, was absolutely heartbreaking. I was desperately hoping for an update at the end saying that he'd been found but, sadly, no such luck

I don't fault the parents for placing him in a home. It was clear that they were given professional advice to do so and were trying to act out of what they thought was best for his well-being. One can legitimately argue whether the professional advice they received was the best or not -there are probably arguments that can be made on both sides -but the parents themselves wanted only the best for their son. You could see that it anguished them to be separated from him

It's sad there was so much ignorance and misinformation around about autism around back then (and still is now, although to a lesser extent). As someone who is mildly autistic, I know that my family and I encountered some of this lack of knowledge during that period of time as well. To their great credit, my parents actually ignored some of the advice they were given because it didn't sit right with them and they were proved correct and I managed to flourish. But I know it is a delicate balance to strike and it seemed that this family was trying so hard to find the right path that would make their son happy and make him prosper

I do wonder about the wisdom of the care facility in question not allowing the family to visit for two months while the patient got settled in. I can understand the logic behind it -seeing the family might confuse the patient and make them homesick, etc., but on the other hand it might have helped to see and be in contact with a familiar face, to have that reassuring presence, to know that they were close by on hand if needed. If the patient was having problems with the staff or fellow patients, a family member may have been the only one whom the patient would have been able to confide in or who would know how to ask the right questions to ascertain that information. Again, it's a delicate balance, I guess

Sadly, as much as I'd like to hope that Gordon is somehow in a home/mental hospital/homeless shelter somewhere, I think it's a remote possibility. I'm not sure also he'd have the life and communication skills that would enable him to be living independently and, if he was homeless, I'd be pessimistic about his chances of living on the street for this length of time. Stranger things have happened, though

If he is alive, though, I do hope he's managed to find some happiness or peace in some way and that he'll be able to cross paths with the surviving members of his family in some way.

I think some people judge because they are eying the situation through late 2000 - 2010+ eyes. GP disappeared in 1989 and autism wasn't even fully understood at the time. His parents were going by what they were told was the best thing for their son. At that time, it probably was the best thing. Today...maybe not so much, but we also don't have all the facts. We weren't there. We don't know.

As for why the parents kept him in FL, sometimes with DD folks change like moving could be a major shock to the system. For all we know, there were family members still in the area i.e. at least one brother or other relative. Maybe the area of FL they were moving to didn't have a facility that could take Gordon or the waiting period was several months to a year.

We just don't know. We can make judgements from our chairs and laptops, but folks need to keep in mind 1989 is not 2021.

I do agree that GP is unfortunately deceased.

If he was able to hitchhike for a while it’s too bad no one just took him to a police station after surely being recognized as a runaway who clearly wasn’t capable of being on his own. I don’t know how you pick up Gordon Page on the side of the street, who probably didn’t have a dime on him or any belongings and drop him off again on the side of the road. Perhaps though he was high functioning enough that it wasn’t obvious he was out of his element.

What a shame if someone drove him to Chicago or Detroit as is speculated and dropped him off alone there.

If he was able to hitchhike for a while it’s too bad no one just took him to a police station after surely being recognized as a runaway who clearly wasn’t capable of being on his own. I don’t know how you pick up Gordon Page on the side of the street, who probably didn’t have a dime on him or any belongings and drop him off again on the side of the road. Perhaps though he was high functioning enough that it wasn’t obvious he was out of his element.

What a shame if someone drove him to Chicago or Detroit as is speculated and dropped him off alone there.

Driving to either city would be a commitment. It would take 2 1/2 hours to reach Detroit and a little over 3 hours to reach Chicago by car. Keep in mind that he was spotted hitchhiking at around 1:00 in the morning. So the chances of running in to a Good Samaritan willing to drive that far in the middle of the night? That's hard to wrap my mind around.

Such a sad case. Unfortunately, I think it's more likely than not that he's deceased.

I think some people judge because they are eying the situation through late 2000 - 2010+ eyes. GP disappeared in 1989 and autism wasn't even fully understood at the time.

We just don't know. We can make judgements from our chairs and laptops, but folks need to keep in mind 1989 is not 2021.


Not to take away from these entirely correct thoughts, but didn't 1989-era doctors know that it's a terrible idea to prescribe Ritalin AND valium, especially to anyone already facing huge challenges?! Whoever was responsible for this deserved a nice lawsuit.

Not to take away from these entirely correct thoughts, but didn't 1989-era doctors know that it's a terrible idea to prescribe Ritalin AND valium, especially to anyone already facing huge challenges?! Whoever was responsible for this deserved a nice lawsuit.

When I heard this I was like....whaaaat? An upper AND a downer? No wonder Gordon was never the same.

Time is a great teacher, but looking at this episode now, and as a special education teacher who works with older students in transition, all I could think was why was there not someone coupled with him at the store or other employment place to guide and mentor him?

As hard as it is, parents are encouraged to place their DD adult children in a group home BEFORE they pass away or it is a one two whammy - parents gone or unable to care for them AND a new home. I have heard stories of 70 year old (and up) carrying their 45 (and up) year adult kids around (to bathe, to dress, in and out of cars) and it is heartbreaking and dangerous. I get it, no one can take care of your kids like you, but it gets ridiculous. Group homes are not all Dickens - like, many of them are quite nice and loving.

Sadly, I, too, think GG has passed. Probably from either starvation or exposure.

Gordon Sr. passed away in 2018. He was 82. He never knew what happened to his son. I can understand why the parents did what they did. They wanted what was best for Gordon Jr. It is true that parents won't be around forever, you have to find a way to get your child to be as independent as possible in this situation. Unfortunately Gordon Jr. ran away.

I think he must have had some hard luck when he was hitchhiking. You would hope that it would be good people that would have come in contact with him but there is a likely chance he just met up with the wrong person who took advantage of him, maybe killed him.

The question is, why? What would even be the motive for someone to kill an autistic guy with no money?

I think he must have had some hard luck when he was hitchhiking. You would hope that it would be good people that would have come in contact with him but there is a likely chance he just met up with the wrong person who took advantage of him, maybe killed him.

The question is, why? What would even be the motive for someone to kill an autistic guy with no money?

GP Jr. dying due to something like this is possible. But, I agree there wouldn't be much of a motive here - unless someone picked up GP Jr. hitchhiking & somehow felt threatened, etc.?!

However, I don't think this is what happened. IMHO a much more likely scenario is that GP Jr. ended up on the streets (possibly after hitchhiking a distance from the group home) and died afterwards due to: exposure; not getting enough to eat; being attacked; an illness, etc. Unfortunately, someone like him would not be able to survive for that long as a homeless person.

The other possibility is that he ended up being picked up & put into an institution, etc. However, given that he vanished in the early '90's - by that time a lot of these places were being (or had been) shut down. So, IMHO this possibility is slim as well.

Were fingerprints taken from the baseball card collection that was found after Gordie disappeared? It could perhaps prove once and all if they were his cards and offer insight into whether or not someone helped him the night he disappeared.

I apologize if this was addressed earlier.

Were fingerprints taken from the baseball card collection that was found after Gordie disappeared? It could perhaps prove once and all if they were his cards and offer insight into whether or not someone helped him the night he disappeared.

I apologize if this was addressed earlier.
That's a good question. The Kent Co. Sheriff's Office does have his dental records, though. Please join my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/GordonTPage/

Whoever here blames his parents, you guys are sickening. Gordie was misdiagnosed. The father dealt in cars, not in the medical field. The only mistake his father made was trusting people in the medical business. It's a business first. He had no experience in it so how exactly was he supposed to know this was going to hurt his son? I've always seen this story and got sad because I could see the pain in his eyes. He tried to help his son any way he could like in the video. He loved his son and if he could have traded his own life for his son to be in a better place he would have.

The problem is when money is involved, there will be gutter trash taking advantage. The places knew the family had money and they took advantage of their inexperience with autism. That keeping him away for 2 months honestly sounded like total BS to get the parents away and keep their money while they neglect their son. If you want to make someone independent, you don't just cut them off. You run the risk of the fear of abandonment and that could make them worse. Gordie likely felt abandoned. They should have spent time with Gordie there and little by little go away so he could gradually get used to it.

Gordie likely died not too long after he last disappeared. Anything could have happened. Maybe he ran into a forest and was never found. His bones would only be found by accident in that case.

The pain in his father's eyes is so bad, you feel it through the recording.

This is such a sad case. Autism awareness is everywhere now, for example, "Love on the Spectrum" is a hit show, and you have people like Dr. Temple Grandin being up front about being neurodivergent. Unfortunately, it's still not understood even today. However, as others have said in this thread, back when Gordon Page Jr. was still with his family, autism was so often misdiagnosed and a big secret. I don't blame Gordon Sr or the family. They did the best they could. The sad fact is that Gordon Page Jr suffered from our society's lack of mental health understanding and a serious medical error.

I'd like to think he is still alive, but I too fear he is dead.

Whoever here blames his parents, you guys are sickening. Gordie was misdiagnosed. The father dealt in cars, not in the medical field. The only mistake his father made was trusting people in the medical business. It's a business first. He had no experience in it so how exactly was he supposed to know this was going to hurt his son? I've always seen this story and got sad because I could see the pain in his eyes. He tried to help his son any way he could like in the video. He loved his son and if he could have traded his own life for his son to be in a better place he would have.

The problem is when money is involved, there will be gutter trash taking advantage. The places knew the family had money and they took advantage of their inexperience with autism. That keeping him away for 2 months honestly sounded like total BS to get the parents away and keep their money while they neglect their son. If you want to make someone independent, you don't just cut them off. You run the risk of the fear of abandonment and that could make them worse. Gordie likely felt abandoned. They should have spent time with Gordie there and little by little go away so he could gradually get used to it.

Gordie likely died not too long after he last disappeared. Anything could have happened. Maybe he ran into a forest and was never found. His bones would only be found by accident in that case.

The pain in his father's eyes is so bad, you feel it through the recording.

I agree. You can't blame the parents. Too often they are ill equipped to deal with a neurodivergent child. I could see the pain in the father's eyes. The regret. However, the family was probably overwhelmed, and these so-called doctors offered them a lifeline. It's sad, but it happens all the time.

Yes, while there still seems to be so much more knowledge that mankind needs to gain in regards to autism, when Gordie disappeared, society and the medical community was still quite in the dark about it.

Many people first learned of this through Rain Man. For the time of its release, it was a pretty humane take on the subject, but even a lot of laymen today can spot things that might have been handled differently if this film was released in modern times.

I have to believe that most everyone could see how much love Mr. Page had for his son, and how it destroyed both him and Gordie to be apart from one another. He thought these people were doing the best by his son and followed their instructions, as heartbreaking as they were, out of his immense love. It would be impossible to not find yourself racked with guilt if you were in the Page's shoes, but I pray they realize that they did the absolute best for Gordie in spite of the tragedy that befell them.

I really have to hand it to the actor who portrayed Gordie. Wow. It might be the best performance ever featured on the show, especially when given how little the actor would have had to work with in that era. Extremely convincing portrayal.

I have worked in psychiatric hospitals for over 10 years now and within those 10 years Autism was put in the mental health code. We started getting autistic patients who are not mentally ill and we were not equipped for it. Autistic patients are particularly challenging until you learn their triggers and figure out ways to soothe them. I completely understand the parents being overwhelmed with Gordy. They needed help desperately and sadly Gordy was not watched over the way he should have been. Gordy just wanted to go home. So sad.

Yes, while there still seems to be so much more knowledge that mankind needs to gain in regards to autism, when Gordie disappeared, society and the medical community was still quite in the dark about it.

Many people first learned of this through Rain Man. For the time of its release, it was a pretty humane take on the subject, but even a lot of laymen today can spot things that might have been handled differently if this film was released in modern times.

I have to believe that most everyone could see how much love Mr. Page had for his son, and how it destroyed both him and Gordie to be apart from one another. He thought these people were doing the best by his son and followed their instructions, as heartbreaking as they were, out of his immense love. It would be impossible to not find yourself racked with guilt if you were in the Page's shoes, but I pray they realize that they did the absolute best for Gordie in spite of the tragedy that befell them.

I really have to hand it to the actor who portrayed Gordie. Wow. It might be the best performance ever featured on the show, especially when given how little the actor would have had to work with in that era. Extremely convincing portrayal.

Rain Man was perfect for the time, and for all time. Ultimately, it is a story about learning to accept someone for who they are. If it were written today, as you say, the story might be different, but it still stands the test of time. In the years since then, we have had The Good Doctor, Love On the Spectrum, and the movie about Temple Grandin (played by Claire Danes). You have popular fiction about autism, for example, John Green's book. Also, people view many of their favorite characters as autism coded, Wednesday Addams being one. You even have an active autism community online (although Reddit gets hairy at times, but what else is new.) You have Autism Speaks. This is not to say that autism has 100 percent acceptance or understanding, of course it doesn't, but we are light years ahead of where Gordon Page Jr. was.

The mental health community has not always treated these patients correctly, and that's an understatement. But like you say, you cannot fault the parents because they were doing the best that they could, and they loved their son. They weren't trying to hide him away or be ashamed of him.

Also, they trusted the wrong medical professionals out of desperation. Believe me, doctors are not always right! If they were always right, Ryan Stallings would have been diagnosed with MMA immediately.

Gordie Jr's case is a tragedy all around.

I have worked in psychiatric hospitals for over 10 years now and within those 10 years Autism was put in the mental health code. We started getting autistic patients who are not mentally ill and we were not equipped for it. Autistic patients are particularly challenging until you learn their triggers and figure out ways to soothe them. I completely understand the parents being overwhelmed with Gordy. They needed help desperately and sadly Gordy was not watched over the way he should have been. Gordy just wanted to go home. So sad.

First, respect for what you do. Second, you just confirmed exactly what some of us have been saying. Gordie Jr could have been helped if he'd had professionals that understood autism and could work with him.

I would love to see this solved. Of course, I'd love to see all these cases solved, except for the Face on Mars, that should remain a mystery forever.

I would love to see this solved. Of course, I'd love to see all these cases solved, except for the Face on Mars, that should remain a mystery forever.

You don't want to know what is on the other end of Mars.