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Teen with special needs found safe after being reported missing

ORLANDO, Fla. — A 15-year-old special needs boy, who was reported missing Thursday, has been found safe, authorities said Friday.

Orange County deputies said at about 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nathaniel Vandusen left his home on Chambord Court near the intersection of Millinockett Lane and Econlockhatchee Trail.

There was concern for his well-being since Vandusen has the mental capacity of a 10-year-old and has violent tendencies, deputies said.

"The only thing that was going through my head is, 'What happened to my child and where is my child?'" said his mother, Frances Vandusen.

Vandusen was found near the area of Cricket Club Circle and State Road 50. He is in good condition.

His mother told WFTV she left her son with a babysitter Thursday night and had no idea why he would leave his home.

"No idea. When I left, he was playing the PS3," she said.

Vandusen will be checked out by the Department of Children and Families before being reunited with his mother. The boy told authorities he ran away because the environment at his home was not good.

Authorities said that was not the first time he has run away. They also said he has three siblings who are also special needs children.