Autism now affects 1 in 68 individuals (1 in 50 students), and almost half are prone to wandering away from a safe environment such as school or home. Individuals with autism are often attracted to water, yet have little to no sense of danger. Drowning is a leading cause of death in children with autism.
Here are six important tips to help improve response time and prevent fatalities:
- Have readily available information about an individual with autism
- Use technology tools, such as tracking devices and Reverse 911
- Use Alert Systems, such as Endangered Missing Advisories (EMAs)
- Train on how to properly interact with a person who has autism
- Listen to the caregiver for clues – they know the child best
- Always search nearby water first
CRITICAL RESOURCES
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Search Guidelines | En Espanol
- Big Red Safety Toolkit for First Responders
- First Responder Brochure
- One-Sheeter for Law Enforcement
- Search Checklist
TRACKING SYSTEMS
- Project Lifesaver: http://www.projectlifesaver.org
- SafetyNet Tracking Systems: http://safetynettracking.com
SEARCH TOOLS & ASSISTANCE
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST
- Reverse 911: http://www.achildismissing.org 954-763-1288
- EMA Guidelines: http://www.ncjrs.gov
- “Take Me Home” Software: 50-436-5416 or email jdonohoe@ci.pensacola.fl.us
TRAINING
- Autism Risk Management: http://www.autismriskmanagement.com
- The Autism & Law Enforcement Education Coalition: http://www.sncarc.org/alec.htm
- Autism Alliance for Local Emergency Responder Training: http://www.AutismAlert.org
