Autism and Safety- It's Unpredictable

Background:
Safety is a major concern among people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Statistics show that 49% of children with ASD wander or elope from safe settings. Indeed, cases involving missing children with this disorder are reported in the media frequently. Unfortunately, the outcome often is all too tragic. Reports indicate that 32% of parents of children with ASD have indicated a “close call” with a possible drowning. In addition, children with ASD are particularly vulnerable during emergency situations which include weather-related events, fires, and power outages. There may also be special challenges for police and criminal justice staff when people with ASD are victims, witnesses or perpetrators involved in criminal matters. The reasons for increased vulnerability include communication, social, behavioral and cognitive challenges; sensory factors; and limited recognition and understanding of these challenges by family, community members and safety personnel.  While widespread, data on injury involving people with ASD is under-reported in part because victims may not be identified as having a disability.  

Objectives:  
To provide education and resources which focus on safety matters and emergency preparedness related to people with ASD and those who protect them.  The goals are to increase understanding and recognition of people with this disorder; improve effectiveness of interactions and adaptive response techniques; improve the effectiveness of emergency response; and to reduce the number of emergencies involving people with ASD and/or lessen severity of potential events. Increased awareness may also impact accuracy of reported statistics regarding injuries or fatalities involving people with ASD. 

Methods:  
A comprehensive training program, Autism and Safety: It’s Unpredictable will be described. This program has been implemented with families, service providers in the general community including first responders, fire prevention officials, emergency response and disaster staff, police, prosecutors and other court officials, juvenile detention personnel, school staff, and afterschool service providers. Supportive materials were developed and will be reviewed including family and community safety guidebooks, tools to educate people with ASD about 911, tools for 911 emergency dispatchers regarding identification and communication with people who have ASD, safety profile sheets and identification systems, and anti-bullying strategies. The developed materials include print and web-based tools, videos and articles. 

Results:  
Over 800 people have received safety-related training. Findings will be reviewed regarding reported changes in level of awareness, understanding, and confidence in interacting with people with ASD among community service providers. Family responses will be reviewed including prevention strategies implemented and changes noted in safety-related knowledge. 

Conclusions:
Safety is a critical issue among people with ASD. Community service providers and families have been very receptive to this education. This training has led to changes in practices which are expected to result in increased recognition of autism-related interactions; assessments of more accurate data capture of safety incidents; expanded strategies and resources for emergency management; as well as safer environments for people affected by this disorder.