A young boy was found by police wandering alone in Newark early Friday morning.

Authorities say the 4-year-old was found at Central Avenue and South 12th Street at around 3:20 a.m.

Newark police say they received a call from University Hospital that the child was wandering by himself. When officers arrived, they recognized him. They say he had been found wandering in the streets previously.

The boy's aunt says that the family believes the boy has autism. She also says that despite numerous pleas to the state, they are not getting the help they need. 

The family has asked for a formal diagnosis on whether or not the boy has autism, but no one has gotten back to them. Without the proper diagnosis, they can't get the help they need.

Ayisha Herbert says that the Department of Child and Family Services approved special locks on the door to prevent the boy from getting out. However, they did not work.

"He popped the actual locks, the guard, and it was all on the floor," she says.

Herbert says her sister often goes without sleep so she can stay vigilant of what her son does.

"She comes home from work 12 a.m. and can't go to sleep until 4 a.m.," Herbert says.

News 12 New Jersey reached out to the Department of Child and Family Services for comment. A spokesperson says that federal confidentiality laws prohibit them from commenting on any possible cases they may be investigating.

No charges have been filed against the family.