First responders are encountering persons with ASD with increased frequency . Understanding the disorder , how it affects persons differently , and the best techniques to interact with persons in crisis are critical for a having a positive interaction . Agencies should also consider working with the community to improve their services by implementing processes to ensure first responders are alerted to individuals ’ needs , through vulnerable person registries and Autism alert decals .
BUZZWORDS
ECHOlalia – These persons have a tendency to repeat words / phrases rather than responding correctly .
HYPERSENSITIVE – Can be overstimulated by touch , lights or sounds . Officers should be careful when touching persons . In other cases they may be agitated by emergency equipment so officers consider turning them off when it is safe .
B / O ( Blackouts ) or VIOLENT – The person can become violent , not knowing it is happening , and have no recollection that it happened once the episode is over .
HARMS – The individual has a tendency to cause pain to themselves when over-stimulated .
FLIGHT – The person tends to flee . This can occur randomly or when overly stimulated .
NON-VERBAL – The person does not communicate . First Responders should recognize the person is not being defiant and their not speaking is a characteristic behavior for them .
NOTES
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3
Ami Tin , Anna M . Palucka , Elspeth Bradley , Jonathan A . Weiss , Yona Lunsky , “ Correlates of Police Involvement Among Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder ”, Journal of Autism Development Disorder , Volume 47 : 2639 -2647 , ( 2017 ).
4
Lecavalier , L ., “ Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Young People with Pervasive Developmental Disorders : Relative Prevalence , Effects of Subject Characteristics , and Empirical Classification , Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders , Volume 36 : 1101 – 1114 , ( 2006 )
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