Crime & Safety
Sandy Springs First Responders Undergo Autism Awareness Training
The training outlines best practices for effective communication when helping residents with sensory processing issues during an emergency.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1 in 64 children were identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder in metro Atlanta in 2010.
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With that in mind, the Sandy Springs Police Department and Sandy Springs Fire Rescue are both undergoing training on how to effectively communicate with the special needs residents they serve.
The first class, which was held Sept. 17, trained 57 participants, the city said.
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“Recognizing that those on the autism spectrum are a growing part of our interactions in public safety, it is important that we insure that our police and fire personnel have the necessary training to help them communicate with these members of the community,” said Sandy Springs Fire Rescue Medical Services Officer Patrick Flaherty, who is organizing the training.
Debi Taylor with the Spirit of Autism developed the curriculum that introduces and trains participants on the best practices for effective communication when helping residents with sensory processing issues during an emergency.
The two-hour interactive presentation familiarizes public safety officers and first responders on how to recognize an individual with autism and how to intervene effectively.
The class asks and answers, “What would you do if…”
- A person with autism creates a public disturbance?
- Would you think it’s drugs? A mental illness? Non-compliance?
- How would you check for and treat injuries if your patient became agitated by any physical contact?
- How would you rescue a child that is hidden in the house, unaware that there is danger?
- What if you could not communicate with your victim?
- What if your normal protocol set off behaviors that you don’t understand?
- What if someone doesn’t “look disabled?”
Participants receive continuing education credit for taking the class. Two additional classes are scheduled for 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25 and Wednesday, Sept. 30.
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Photo credit: Spirit of Autism
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