First Responders and the Autism Spectrum: What First Responders Need to Know about ASD and What Individuals with ASD Need to Know about First Responders

As more and more people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder live in the community, the opportunity for interactions with first responders (Police, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians) has increased. Unfortunately, certain aspects of behavior associated with ASD make interactions with these first responders more likely. Crucially, some aspects of training given to first responders is antithetical to what would ordinarily be suggested in clinical practice. This has led to tragic consequences on more than one occasion. What first responders need to know about the Autism Spectrum and what individuals on the Autism Spectrum need to know about first responders will be reviewed.

Objectives:

1. Attendees will identify common behavior associated with the Autism Spectrum that may lead to first responder involvement.
2. Attendees will identify elements of training that need to be conducted with first responders to ensure safe interaction.
3. Attendees will identify behaviors that people diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum should learn for safe and productive interactions with first responders.