Autism Awareness Training for First Responders Teaches Emergency Personnel How to Respond to Individuals with Autism
Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and Institute for Behavioral Training (IBT) today announced that they will partner to train first responders on how to approach and interact with individuals with autism spectrum disorder beginning in April for Autism Awareness Month. IBT has trained over 3,000 people across the United States and various countries since 2013. The free training titled, “Autism for First Responders,” will be presented in Fairport, N.Y. on April 30; Larchmont, N.Y. on April 30; Chicago, Ill. on April 23; Austin, Texas on April 26; Phoenix, Ariz. on April 28 and 29; Washington, D.C. on April 23; and in the following California cities, Sacramento on April 28, Fresno on April 25, Woodland Hills on April 24, Thousand Oaks on April 30, Tustin on May 1, Temecula on April 29, Riverside on April 28, and San Marcos on April 29.
According to the new statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 27, 2014, one in every 68 children in America is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with one in 42 boys and one in 189 girls diagnosed. As more children, teens and adults are impacted by ASD, more police and other first responders will have interactions with the population.
Individuals with autism may struggle to communicate, make appropriate eye contact or even respond to someone asking them their name. The behaviors that children and teens with ASD display vary greatly, which is why autism is described as a spectrum disorder. Parents and professionals agree that safety is a huge concern for everyone in this population as they may be easily distracted, lost or even elope from their school or surroundings. The “Autism for First Responders” training will enable emergency personnel to recognize the signs of ASD and react accordingly to minimize their own risk and that of the individuals with autism.
“Training first responders to recognize ASD is crucial,” said Cecilia H. Knight, director of IBT. “Helping a family find a child who has wandered away, protecting an adult with autism whose behavior is misunderstood, or helping a paramedic know how to interact when a child is injured can truly make a life or death difference. Recognizing the signs of autism and knowing how to react is key.”
The trainings will be hosted by CARD treatment centers across the United States. IBT’s training will teach attendees the signs and symptoms of ASD, how to communicate with individuals who appear to be affected by autism and tips for first responders who interact with individuals on the spectrum. For more information on the events or to set-up a training, please visit https://www.centerforautism.com/first-responders.aspx
For the original article see the link below
Together, we can unlock your child’s potential
Related News
10/09/2024
Understanding Your Child’s Rights in Iowa
A Guide for Parents of Children with Autism in Iowa In Iowa, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with autism are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their needs. Key rights include receiving education in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and having active parental involvement in the development […]
10/09/2024
Elopement – What Is It? – Lighthouse Autism Center
Elopement is something often spoken about in the autism community. We look at what it is, how to prevent it, and what to do if your child tends to run out in the community or at home. Elopement – What Is It? We often hear the term elopement when talking about autistic children. Find out […]
10/08/2024
Importance of Early Autism Diagnoses
Our in-depth infographic explains the importance of early detection and diagnosis in autistic children. We also identify some of the early signs to look out for. INFOGRAPHIC: Why is Early Detection and Diagnosis So Important? What is Autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. […]