Unfortunately, the majority of first responders are not receiving enough training in order to understand autism and know how to approach these individuals during emergencies. This lack of knowledge and training can lead to dangerous mistakes or delay the time in which that person can be moved away from a dangerous situation.

Autism training for first responders is so important because it brings awareness to autism and this awareness alone can prevent horrible misunderstandings that cannot be reversed.

An individual with autism will very likely display behavior that, if untrained in this area, first responders could easily mistake as guilt, suspicious activity, or they might assume the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and they also may not approach that person in an effective way if they need to conduct a physical examination or physically assist the person away from a dangerous situation. 

“They may be using their hands, wringing their hands, and it may look like someone who’s in crisis in some way,” said Chief Deputy Jon Snowden of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department. 

Individuals who have autism are seven times more likely to have interactions with police and are 160 times more likely to die due to drowning. Children with autism are also prone to escaping from their parents, running away, and hiding in small spaces. When first responders and emergency services don’t know how to properly handle these cases, there is a higher risk of making the situation more dangerous than it has to be. 

Emergency situations are extremely overwhelming and distressing for individuals with ASD. These environments can cause them to react by yelling, running away, resisting assistance, or hitting and kicking. An emergency medical responder cannot use typical tactics to calm this person, such as asking questions or using touch, as this will likely worsen the individual’s behavior and the first responder might assume they are being noncompliant or even threatening.

“It is essential for first responders to understand autism and be prepared to respond effectively and safely,” said Josh Westrich, Fire Chief of Whitestown Fire Station. 

As we are seeing, it is not enough just to learn about autism. This is important, but first responders require training in order to fully understand how to start creating changes in their behaviors when responding to situations involving those with autism.

Basic Training Isn’t Enough 

A study conducted in 2015 analyzed 75 emergency medical responders, who had different levels of training, to determine how they would handle a simulated emergency involving multiple victims, one of which had autism. 

The results from the study are shocking and exemplify how crucial autism training is for first responders.

Out of the 75 medical responders, only 35 percent identified that the victim had a disability and only 13 percent thought that it was autism. 27 percent were able to provide comfort, but in some cases the comfort that was offered ended up causing more distress in the victim.

Less than half of the responders used helpful tactics, such as a soothing voice, explaining to the victim what was going on, and asking them permission before touching them. 

The study discovered that the level of experience between the responders had very little impact on their performance. Those with extensive experience did not show greater skill when it came to working with the individual who had autism. The conclusion is that typical training already being provided on the job is not sufficient. 

Autism is Being Addressed Nationwide

First responders all over the United States are realizing how important autism training has become. 

More Departments are Seeking Professional Autism Training and Certification

More departments are leading the way and investing in evidence-based training and even certification to make sure their teams are knowledgeable in the area of autism and sensory disorders. 

For example, one of the leading departments in this area is Mesa Fire and Medical in Mesa, Arizona. Mesa Fire and Medical Department joined more than 60 organizations in and near Mesa, AZ, to become a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) in January of this year in an effort to create a truly inclusive community. The CAC designation means that staff, firefighters and first responders at Mesa Fire and Medical received position-specific training to enhance their understanding and sensitivity when helping individuals with autism or other sensory sensitivities.