New Jersey woman with special needs missing for days

DUMONT, New Jersey (WABC) -- The family of a woman with special needs is worried sick, after they say she hasn't returned to their Dumont, New Jersey, home in days.

Samantha McManus went missing Monday night and her whereabouts are a mystery.

The 27-year-old is on the autism spectrum, but will communicate and apparently knows how to get around. That's what makes her mother, Marie McManus, very concerned.

"You have to come home. It's tearing us apart not knowing that you're safe," Marie said.

This is not the first time Samantha has left home, but usually she returns the next day.

She disappeared Monday after 10:30 p.m. Now she's been gone more than three days.

"She's an adult. She wants to do adult things, but I don't let her go out at night," Marie said.

Samantha apparently has figured out the bus schedule, and lives down the road from stops that could give her quick access to New York City.

The last time she left home, she apparently made her way into the Port Authority and onto the subways.

Family members say Samantha doesn't have a lot of money.

"Tuesday night comes nothing, Wednesday night, now I'm in panic mode because I don't know who's taking care of her," Marie said. "It's kind of surprising to me she's gone this many days."

Family members have placed a flyer on Facebook and other websites.

Samantha is 5'6" and weighs 160 pounds, wears orthotic shoes and has a distinct limp.

She has a loving, caring family including a twin sister, mother, father and two other siblings.

Samantha could be traveling with another person, but family members just want to hear her voice again.

"Anybody that has her, please have her call home so we can have her and get her back safe," Marie said.