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Dennis Debbaudt's Autism Risk & Safety Newsletter

Fall 2004 Edition!

Here's what's up:

Table of contents:

• Hurricane Report
• Wandering & Autism Resources
• Are You Prepared for an Autism Emergency?
• Autism Emergency Contact Handout Model
• Tracking device offers peace of mind
• Project Lifesaver quickly finds wandering relatives
• From the Vault--Contact with Individuals with Autism: Effective Resolutions,The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin,  April, 2001
• Autism & Law Enforcement Awareness in Virginia
• Autism Spectrum Quarterly
• Autism Alert Window Gels
• Silent No More Communication Boards
• Autism & Law Enforcement Video Update
• Rising Bird Productions
• Autism requires that police 'think outside the box'
• Seminars teach law enforcers how to diffuse tense situations.
• Save the Dates!! December 2004 Conference & Workshop
• Now Booking 2005 Dennis Debbaudt Conference and Workshop Dates: Background & Feedback
• Big Thanks!!
   

Hurricane Report

Florida took major hurricane hits this past summer. It took a long time to get back to business. Our family made it through OK, took some home damage, but we¹re safe, sound and dry.

This wasn¹t the case for many  here in the Southeast. A man with autism and his step dad died in a hurricane related accident in central Florida. Scores of families were displaced. In short, it was a mess.

Our friends at CARD in Florida¹s Panhandle have set up a financial assistance program for families affected. Do what you can to help.

Here¹s the press release:

Source:: Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities starts hurricane assistance
effort Thursday,
October 7, 2004

TALLAHASSEE, Oct 7. The Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) serves children and adults with autism and related disabilities in 18 counties in the panhandle area of Florida. Autism is a lifelong neurological disability that affects a persons¹s ability to communicate, understand language, play and socially interact with others. Many also have difficulty with changes to surroundings or routines. This difficulty can cause challenging behaviors such as aggression, self injury or severe withdrawal.

The panhandle of Florida, in particular, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were severely impacted by the effects of Hurricane Ivan. While the devastating effects of a hurricane are hard for many families, children with autism are particularly impacted due to changes in their routines,  unable to comprehend what is happening, or communicate their fears or questions.

CARD serves over 300 families in the area affected by Ivan, many of whom have lost their homes and/or their belongings. Many of these families had no insurance to cover their lost belongings. We have set up a fund to provide financial assistance to families of children with autism affected by the hurricane. We are working with the Autism Society of Florida to distribute the funding.

If anyone would like to make a donation to provide financial assistance to individuals with autism and their families, they can make a check out to Autism Society of Florida, mark it "Hurricane Assistance" and send it to :

FSU Center for Autism, Hurricane Assistance, 625-B N. Monroe Street,Tallahassee, FL 32301. 100% of the funds donated to the Hurricane Assistance for Individuals with
Autism Fund will be use for DIRECT ASSISTANCE to families; no funds will be used for overhead or administrative costs. The Autism Society of Florida is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations will be tax deductible.

If you have any questions, please contact the Hurricane Assistance
Coordinator at (850) 644-4367 or 1-800-769-7926.

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Wandering & Autism Resources

The summer also brought with it a predictable spate of autism related wander. Children and adults all over the country wandered from care and into drowning and pedestrian/vehicle deaths.

Wandering should be a cause for concern for every one of us who advocate for people with autism.

Wandering--and other risks associated with autism--should  be included with every information packet offered to families who are new to the spectrum. This information can save lives.

This coming Sunday--November 7th--ABC¹s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will air back-to-back segments that feature autism, wandering and Project Lifesaver.

Check your local listings and spread the word about this important TV program.

Below are some autism & wandering resources:

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Are You Prepared for an Autism Emergency?
by Dennis Debbaudt

To ensure safety and lower risk for a child or adult with autism, parents and care providers will need to become proactive and prepare an informational handout.

A leading cause for for concern are children and adults who run away or wander from parents and care providers.  Tragically, children and adults with autism are often attracted to water sources such as pools, ponds, and lakes. Drowning is a leading cause of death for a child or adult who has autism.

Wandering can occur anywhere at anytime. The first time is often the worst time.

Another concern is preparation in the event that you become incapacitated or injured while caring for a person with autism at home or in the community.

An informational handout should be developed, copied and carried with you at all times--at home, in your car, purse or wallet. Also circulate this handout to family members, trusted neighbors, friends and co-workers. The handout will also come in handy if you are in an area other than your neighborhood and are approached by the police.

If wandering is a concern, contact law enforcement, fire and ambulance agencies.  Ask your local  911 call center to "red flag" this information in their 911 computer data base. Dispatchers can alert patrol officers about your concerns before they arrive. When we provide law enforcement with key information before an incident occurs, we can expect better responses.

Alert your neighbors

The behaviors and characteristics of autism have the potential to attract attention from the public. Law enforcement professionals suggest that you reach out and get to know your neighbors.

• Decide what information to present to neighbors
• Plan a brief visit to your neighbors
• Introduce your child or adult or a photograph
• Give your neighbor a simple handout with your name, address, and phone number
• Ask them to call you immediately if they see your son or daughter outside the home
   

This approach may be a good way to avoid problems down the road and will let your neighbors:

• Know the reason for unusual behaviors
• Know that you are approachable
• Have the opportunity to call you before they call 911

Knowing your neighbors can lead to better social interactions for your loved ones with autism.

Prevention

If wandering is an issue for your family, consider contacting a professional locksmith, security company or home improvement professional.

Autism Emergency Contact Handout Model

• Name of child or adult
• Current photograph and physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color, any scars or other identifying marks
• Names, home, cell and pager phone numbers and addresses of parents, other caregivers and emergency contact persons
• Sensory, medical, or dietary issues and requirements, if any
• Inclination for elopement and any atypical behaviors or characteristics that may attract attention
• Favorite attractions and locations where person may be found
• Likes, dislikes--approach and de-escalation techniques
• Method of communication, if non-verbal ­ sign language, picture boards, written word
• ID wear ­ jewelry, tags on clothes, printed handout card
• Map and address guide to nearby properties with water sources and dangerous locations highlighted
• Blueprint or drawing of home, with bedrooms of individual highlighted
   

For further information:
Dennis Debbaudt, 2338 SE Holland Street, Port St. Lucie FL 34952
Phone 772/398-9756, Email ddpi@flash.net
http://www.autismriskmanagement.com/
http://policeandautism.cjb.net/
 

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Tracking device offers peace of mind
September 22, 2004
BY ERIN CHAN
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Seven weeks ago, Milton Bates, 86, slipped into an elevator meant for visitors at his assisted-living facility in Farmington Hills. He ended up on the street, hoping to reach the Detroit home he and his wife lived in 60 years ago.

Once outside, he headed toward police investigating a car accident and began throwing rocks at them, convinced they were Nazis out to kill him, recounted his wife, Marion Bates, 82, of Southfield.

Within minutes, Bates' caregivers found him and explained to officers that he had Alzheimer's disease and with it, a tendency to wander. But the incident still shook his wife. Yet again, he had run away to find a place that no longer existed.

"It's living through the same fear every day," Marion Bates said, describing how she views her husband's disease. "You feel trapped. There's no way out."

There still is no cure for Alzheimer's, but a green disk about the size of a quarter that has started appearing in metro Detroit may alleviate the panic felt when a loved one wanders off.

Weighing 1 ounce, the disk is a radio transmitter attached to a nylon or plastic band. It can be worn like a watch or clasped like an anklet, sported on a belt or fastened onto shoelaces. A part of a national program called Project Lifesaver, the disk emits radio waves that help police equipped with portable receivers and antennas find those who are lost.

The transmitter debuted in Oak Park last month, and Southfield Police plan to join the program by the end of this year. Designed for people with Alzheimer's, dementia, autism and other illnesses that result in people wandering from the care of loved ones or nursing homes, Project Lifesaver is used in 38 states.

So far, the only radio-transmitters registered with Project Lifesaver in metro Detroit came in August, when ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" visited Oak Park and outfitted 13-year-old Lance Vardon, who is blind and autistic, with two transmitters donated from Project Lifesaver and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

Standing in the doorway of his family's new house on a recent Sunday, Lance's brother, Stefan Vardon, 14, described how one evening last year, Lance wandered away from their house near 11 Mile and Coolidge. The family called police, who scoured the area for about an hour. Lance was eventually found at a neighbor's house.

Lance's two transmitters have been sewn into the pockets of two nightshirts, said his father, Larry Vardon, 45, in sign language as Stefan translated.

"I feel happy," Larry Vardon said. "And less of a sense of worry for him."

In Michigan, about 220,000 people have some form of dementia. Of them, 176,000 have Alzheimer's, according to Sara Holmes, education coordinator for the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the University of Michigan.

Nationwide, about 4.5 million people have Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, said Kathleen O'Brien, senior vice president for program and community services of the Chicago-based Alzheimer's Association. O'Brien said the organization anticipates the number of people with Alzheimer's and dementia to increase to 12 million in the next 20 years as the baby boom generation ages. Alzheimer's, she said, is the most common form of dementia. She added that among those who have Alzheimer's , more than two-thirds have the potential to wander.

Mary Lou Irons, 66, of Walled Lake said she did not think her husband, Bob, had problems with wandering -- until a few weeks ago.

Between the hour Irons left for work and her husband, who has Alzheimer's, was picked up to go to a day care center, Bob Irons, 70, walked out of their brick condominium multiple times, looking lost. Neighbors quickly found him, Mary Lou Irons said, but she readjusted her schedule to ensure someone was always monitoring him. Irons said she may be interested in the radio-transmitter device if it becomes available in Walled Lake.

One of the Bateses' daughters, Lynda Paull, 61, said the device sounds promising but cautioned that it will not prevent wandering. "If a person wandered off, by the time police get called, they could be dead already," she said.

Her mother, Marion Bates, who has said she would like to learn more about the device, noted that last year, her husband wandered from their apartment in Southfield. Neighbors found Milton Bates in the parking lot, wearing just a light sweater. Outside, the thermometer read 5 degrees.

To start Project Lifesaver in Southfield, the police department plans to allocate grant money in coming weeks, said Chief Joseph Thomas Jr. A starter kit -- two transmitter bracelets, two receivers and two days of training -- costs $5,300, said Chief Gene Saunders, head of the Sheriff's Search and Rescue unit in Chesapeake, Va., and executive director of Project Lifesaver, a nonprofit organization based in that city.

Additional bracelets cost $263 each, and police departments can charge the bracelet-wearers no more than $25 a month as a fee, Saunders said. He added that if someone needs the bracelet but cannot afford it, the department must provide it for free.

Saunders conceived of the device in 1999, manufactured it through Care Trak, a company based in Murphysboro, Ill., and first tested it in April 1999 on a Chesapeake man who had dementia.

In a previous wandering incident, Saunders said it had taken eight hours to find the man in an overgrown field. When police first activated the device in 1999, Saunders said, they found him in a minute and a half, about 125 yards from his house. Nationwide, the device has spread to 331 agencies and, as of Tuesday, had aided in 1,036 rescues, Saunders said.

Thomas said he hopes Southfield Police will have the program in place for willing people with Alzheimer's by December. He also hopes helicopters at the Oakland County Sheriff's Aviation Unit will become a central part of the program.

Sgt. Mike Wickham, unit commander of the aviation unit, said he would participate if Southfield asked. One of his officers, Deputy John Ashley, brought Project Lifesaver to the police department's attention.

The first organization to use the devices in Michigan, the Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Saginaw, distributes up to roughly 15 bracelets to people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia who check into the hospital, said Kathy Tate, hospital spokeswoman.

Tate said that in the past two years, the hospital police have not had to activate their receivers.

At Botsford Commons Community in Farmington Hills, where Milton Bates has lived for two months, Administrator Margaret Lightner said the Project Lifesaver device would be most useful in independent-living facilities but could also help in more secure areas designed for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia -- where even locked stairwell doors and consistent monitoring may not guarantee that a person determined to leave stays inside.

For now, when Marion Bates takes the bus from Southfield to visit her husband, she reminds him that Alzheimer's and the symptoms that go with it are not his fault. At times, she soothes him by taking him to see Parker, a multicolored cockatiel near his room on the third floor.

Soon, her mind may be eased a bit more, too, by a small green radio transmitter and a program called Project Lifesaver.


Contact ERIN CHAN at 248-351-3293 or chan@freepress.com.

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Project Lifesaver quickly finds wandering relatives
Detroit Free Press Editorial
Saturday October 2, 2004

Radio tracking systems are now available in the Detroit-area for people with autism, Alzheimer's or other conditions that make wandering away dangerous. Such devices can be a great comfort to families, but help is needed to increase their use. It's a cause worth supporting.

The amount is within fund-raising reach for many organizations that provide support services for the disabled or for local police departments. The start-up program costs $5,300, plus travel expenses for instructors. For a police department, that covers radio-signal receivers and two quarter-sized transmitters for patients. More transmitters, usually worn as bracelets or anklets, can be added at a cost of $263 each.

The Project Lifesaver system is spreading across the country. Its first local use is in Oak Park, where ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" arranged transmitters for Lance Vardon, 13, who is blind and autistic, when the Vardon family home was refurbished. Costs were covered by Project Lifesaver and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

Southfield hopes to use a grant to join the program. Other police departments may also have this option, but even then may need help expanding the service. Project Lifesaver allows them to charge users up to $25 a month, but they must make it available free to those who can't pay.

The system offers particular hope to those trying to keep Alzheimer's patients comfortable in the least restrictive setting possible. Certainly police benefit by being able to find wanderers more quickly -- a half-hour on average, according to Project Lifesaver -- and without having to mobilize a large search team.

The net result, an increase in peace of mind, is a priceless benefit for the families and police agencies involved.

TO LEARN MORE Contact:
Project Lifesaver
http://projectlifesaver.org

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Contact with Individuals with Autism: Effective Resolutions
The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin,  April, 2001
by Dennis Debbaudt, Darla Rothman Ph.D.

In contemporary 21st century law enforcement, police managers have become increasingly proactive in their efforts to develop officer awareness of volatile circumstances and situations. They want their officers to learn to properly handle these situations not only for the safety of the officers and citizens involved, but also to avoid future potential litigation. Because today's work force is increasingly diverse, new laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensure that persons with developmental disabilities remain a part of that diversity.

Recent research concluded that the developmentally disabled are approximately seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement than others. [1] In light of this conclusion, law enforcement officers should receive training to prepare to evaluate information and physical cues or body language that may indicate the person they come in contact with has autism. Because autism affects every sector of society, officers first must understand the condition. Second, they must learn to apply certain techniques in the initial contact or interview, which may increase the probability of appropriate responses and lead to a successful outcome of the encounter.

What is Autism?

Autism is a developmental disability that manifests itself within the first 3 years of a child's life. While some individuals with autism have mental retardation, autism is not retardation. It is a broad spectrum neurological disorder, which presents itself in a variety of symptoms that affects individuals differently. Estimates of persons having some form of autism exceed 500,000 nationally, becoming the third most common developmental disability in the United States. [2] Autism affects the normal development of the brain relating to social and communicative interaction. Individuals with autism have difficulty appropriately communicating with, or relating to, others.

When responding to a call that involves a person with autism, officers may face a situation that will challenge the training, instincts, and professional conduct of even the most experienced police veteran. Is the individual intoxicated? On narcotics? Or is the person developmentally disabled?

Where are Individuals with Autism Usually Found?

Because approximately 80 percent of patrol responses do not involve criminal activity, contact with individuals with autism may occur anywhere in the community. [3] Because autism affects each individual differently, many people with autism often function well in society--they may have regular employment in a supervised or unsupervised workplace, and may live in traditional or assisted living homes. Therefore, the initial call for assistance to law enforcement may first appear as a domestic disturbance; however, upon arrival, the officers may receive information or otherwise determine that the subject is affected with autism and has reacted inappropriately to some event. The initial contact may be predicated by a request for medical assistance. Reports estimate that as many as 25 percent of individuals with autism will have seizures by the age of 21. [4] Other calls may involve complaints of strange behavior, such as being in an unfamiliar place or just wandering around or doing unusual things. Autistic persons  have not developed the social awareness usually expected by others in the community. Law enforcement must not forget the characteristics of individuals with autism when responding to calls. For example, if they receive a call for assistance involving a stranger sitting on a porch swing or rocking chair or looking into the windows of a house, it may not indicate a person on drugs or a potential burglar, but rather an individual with autism who just wanted to self-stimulate through rhythmatic motion or to see what was inside the house. In another example, a complaint from a store owner of a person rearranging items or display objects may not be a shoplifter, but, instead, an autistic individual engaging in the obsessive-compulsive behavior of "ordering" those items in some sequence that other individuals may not notice.

While responding officers always must consider their own safety, as well as that of others, in such circumstances, their presence may cause further inappropriate responses by an autistic individual. Persons with autism do not know the implications of their behavior--they do not understand the consequences of their actions, especially aggressive actions. An officer's approach may cause people with this condition to flee, sometimes failing to respond to an order to stop. Other autistic individuals may react by dropping to the floor or ground and rocking back and forth, averting eye contact with the officer. Officers should not interpret an autistic individual's failure to respond to orders or questions as a lack of cooperation or as a reason for increased force.

Although autistic individuals are usually self-abusing, they may escalate into tantrum-like behavior (e.g., screaming, pushing, kicking, hitting) from fear, frustration, or confusion. They can not conceptualize meanness or acts of purposeful injury to others. They just want the circumstances to change but do not know how to implement that change. This presents an obvious dilemma to responding officers.

What are Some Common Signs of Autism?

In the case of autism, there are no external indicators. Individuals with autism look like any other person; however, visual cues exist that an observant officer can use to help indicate they are dealing with an autistic individual. These often subtle cues may depend on the functionality level of the autistic person. Recognition of the behavioral symptoms of autism and the techniques of approach can reduce the risk factors of such encounters. These risks include the physical safety of the officers and of the individual with autism, as well as the resulting litigation from inappropriate responses to the incident by the officers.

Among the most difficult assistance calls are those that concern the welfare of children. When an officer responds to the scene of a complaint of possible child abuse and observes an adult wrestling with a screaming, struggling, red-faced child, the officer must use split-second judgment. Is this a possible kidnaping? Is this a blatant case of child abuse? Or could it be an extremely painful episode for the parent of a child with special needs who, for whatever reason, is out of control? While the officer has a responsibility to resolve the call, patience and understanding will help reduce the stress for all involved, including the child who would be further traumatized if the officer acts aggressively against the parent.

One characteristic of autistic individuals, especially children, is their propensity to run. They do not believe that they are running away, but possibly just returning to a favorite place or going back to look at something attractive. They may not be lost and may be very content where they are; however, to the general public, unattended children are cause for concern.

Police unwittingly may charge parents of autistic children with endangerment, which forces them to attend hearings to retrieve their bewildered children from protective services. Moreover, a child found alone may not respond to an officer's efforts and consolation because they are quite content to stay where the officer found them. Individuals with autism, particularly children, usually cannot process multiple stimuli at one time. Bright lights, sirens, K-9 partners, different smells, loud voices, or attempts at consolation may push an individual with autism to react in a way that may make it impossible to regain their attention and may jeopardize the safety of those involved in the incident. For example, an autistic person may abruptly flee into busy traffic, because they do not realize the inherent risk in that act.

What is an Appropriate Response?

Law enforcement officers are trained to handle unexpected situations they may encounter on routine calls. By understanding the nature of autism, responding officers can manage calls involving individuals with this condition more effectively. Officers can use the acronym AUTISM to help them remember the methodology they should use when dealing with individuals with autism. They should--

Approach the person in a quiet, non-threatening manner. Because autistic persons may be hypersensitive to stimuli, officers should attempt to avoid quick motions and gestures that an autistic person may perceive, even remotely, as threatening.

Understand that touching the autistic person may cause a protective "fight or flight" reaction. Officers should never touch an autistic person on the shoulders or near the face. Autistic hypersensitivity includes being touched and even extends to invasions of their personal space.

Talk to the person in a moderate and calm voice. Although officers may have to repeat their directions or questions several times, they should be patient and wait for answers. Speaking loudly will not help and may even be viewed as threatening.

Instructions should be simple and direct with no use of slang. An autistic person will take an officer's statements literally. "Do you think that's cool?" or "Up against the wall!" probably will cause confusion and result in an inappropriate or unexpected response. Officers should use specific commands, such as, "stand up" or "go to the car, now" to reduce the chance of confusion.

Seek all indicators to evaluate the situation as it unfolds.

Maintain a safe distance until any inappropriate behaviors lessen, but remain alert to the possibility of outbursts or impulsive acts.
 

What If a Crime Has Been Committed?

If officers take an individual into custody and even remotely suspect that the person may be developmentally disabled or autistic, to reduce the risk of abuse, injury, or both, they should segregate the individual and never place them in the general incarcerated population before a mental health professional can evaluate them. Once professionals have determined that the individual is developmentally disabled, officers should contact the prosecutor's office for further advice or directions.

Oftentimes, individuals with autism confess to crimes they did not commit because of their desire to please and willingness to accept an authority figure's version of events, even if untrue, or because of their inappropriate responses or interpretations to questions from the interviewer. This response often results from "conditioning" they received throughout their lives by caregivers.

The interviewer must ask specific questions toward what information is sought and avoid ambiguity. For example, if the interviewer asks, "Did you take the money?" the person with autism most probably will say "Yes," whether or not the individual actually took it. Investigators should ask a more clear question, such as, "What did you do?" allowing time for the individual to provide a response. If the investigator asks, "Were you with your family or John?" the autistic person may respond, "John" because that was the last choice of the sequence. If the investigator asked the question again, but reversing the order, the autistic person may answer, "my family" for the same reason. Neither may be correct. Investigators should ask a more specific question such as, "Who were you with?" thus reducing the influence of suggestion to the subject.

Conclusion

As the American work force becomes more diverse and requires more professional law enforcement, officers in the 21st century will confront situations that demand high levels of performance and insight resulting from more comprehensive training. Dealing with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities requires officers to have additional training to handle these situations. When responding to calls for assistance involving individuals who are autistic, education, perception, and understanding can help officers avoid situations that can become unpleasant or even dangerous. Remembering the adage that no call is "routine" will help ensure that the resourceful officer will keep their composure and evaluate the sensory data or cues on the scene. This behavior will resolve the incident in the best spirit of their duty to protect the public, especially those who cannot protect themselves.

Mr. Debbaudt heads a private detective agency and trains police officers nationwide on recognizing and responding to persons with autism.

Dr. Darla Rothman is a curriculum specialist and certified instructor with the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions.

Endnotes

(1.) K. Curry, M. Posluszny, and S. Kraska, "Training Criminal Justice personnel to Recognize Offenders with Disabilities," Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services News in Print, (Winter 1993).

(2.) The Autism Society of America, http:// www.autism-socitey.org; accessed December 12, 2000.

(3.) Based on author research and survey of law enforcement agencies.

(4.) Supra note 2.

(5.) D. Debbaudt, (handout developed for the Wayne County, Michigan, Workshop Series for Trainers and Officers of Law Enforcement), September 21, 1996.

Indicators that an Individual May Have Autism: [5]

• the individual actively may avoid eye contact even if you change your location to be in the person's line of sight
• the individual may be nonverbal (50 percent of persons with autism do not speak) or may have limited vocabulary and point or use gestures
• the individual may speak in monotone without expected inflections
• the individual may repeat exactly what the officer says
• the individual may engage in repetitive physical actions, such as hand flapping, finger flicking, or twirling objects
• the individual may rock back and forth, pace, or engage in self-abuse (temper tantrums are an expected response to fear, confusion, or frustration as an effort to stop the stimuli)
• the individual may have a pigeon-toed gait or running style
• the individual may not respond to verbal commands or sounds
• the individual may not understand body language or recognize command presence, or a police uniform
• the individual may be dressed inappropriately for the weather, such as a tee shirt and shorts in winter
• the individual may not ask for help or show any indications of pain, even though injury seems apparent; and
• the individual may wear medical alert tags or possess other written material indicating the  condition of autism
   

COPYRIGHT 2001 Federal Bureau of Investigation
 

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Autism & Law Enforcement Awareness in Virginia

Commonwealth Autism Service provides sponsorship and logistical support to train police officers in the understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

The program teaches police and caregivers how to work together to prevent unfortunate situations in a law enforcement contact.  The 2 hour course is taught across the Commonwealth by Nick Proffitt, an Advisory Council member who is a Law Enforcement officer, and a parent of a child with Autism.

Nick Proffitt will be speaking at the following locations:
 

• 11/5 Charlottesville/Albemarle County area Police, Educators and Caregivers.
• 11/6 Lynchburg Police Training Academy.
• 11/18 Hampton Police Academy
• 12/2 Virginia Beach Police Academy
   

If you¹re interested in training in Virginia please call or contact;
Donna Joyce
Commonwealth Autism Service
1-804-355-0300 x207
djoyce@autismva.org  

Visit the fine Commonwealth Autism Service web site at:
http://www.autismva.org
 

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Autism Spectrum Quarterly

(Formerly the Jenison Autism Journal / The Morning News, edited by Carol Gray)

Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief; Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D., Senior Editor

Autism Spectrum Quarterly brings you the quality that you expect from a professional journal, with the readability and practicality of a high-quality magazine - and much more.

ASQ features a 21-member international advisory board including many of the most well-respected individuals in the ASD community such as:  Tony Attwood, Simon Baron-Cohen, Catherine Lord, Nancy Minshew, and Lorna Wing,


For more information and to register online log onto www.ASQuarterly.com http://www.asquarterly.com/ Email your questions to ASQmagazine@aol.com.

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Autism Alert Window Gels

These gels alert first responders to the presence in a vehicle of an individual with autism. They can be used on whatever vehicle you are using, traveling in a rental car, for instance. The multi-use, easy on-easy off function offers great insurance! A superb autism awareness & safety tool!

Available through Didi Zaryczny. Email Didi at dzaryczny947@cs.com

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Silent No More Communication Boards

The laminated board features 24 key communication situations. It utilizes
picture icons and words and phrases in English and Spanish as a way for
first responders to communicate with persons with autism and other cognitive
conditions, as well as non English speakers.

Contact Susan for details:
Email srz@dol.net
Phone 610-274-2364

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Autism & Law Enforcement Video Update

The Autism & Law Enforcement video continues to receive fantastic feedback and is selling well. Parent advocates are using it to introduce the autism community to their local law enforcement agencies. It¹s also circulating to law enforcement training units, educators and autism advocacy groups around the country. We¹re thrilled with the feedback!!

A  big thanks to Liane Holliday Willey for her fine review of the video in Autism Spectrum Quarterly!!!

Stills, information and ordering options at:
http://www.risingbird.net/asr/email.html

Inquiries about: Special Edits & Production Runs,  Excerpts or File Video Information. We welcome Bulk Purchase or Site License Inquiries, Pre Purchase or Media Review copies:
Email ddpi@flash.net or call 772-398-9756. Brad may answer the phone. Tell him Hi!

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Rising Bird Productions

A huge thanks goes out to Teresa Soler, Brant Dutton and Tim Mueller of Rising Bird Productions of Eugene, Oregon!! They are the talented group who created the site for the video. We're working with them to launch the new Autism & Law Enforcement web site. Work is progressing., We hope to launch soon.

Rising Bird Productions are top shelf Design, Publishing, Business Services and Photography Professionals Consider them for your on or off line needs. They're part of the autism community!!

Check out their web site at:

http://www.RisingBird.net/
 

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Autism requires that police 'think outside the box' / Seminars teach law enforcers how to diffuse tense situations.
PUBLISHED: September 28, 2004
By Frank DeFrank
Macomb Daily (Michigan) Staff Writer

Like most 10-year-olds, Zack Murphy of Grosse Pointe Park is naturally inquisitive.

So when he sees a police officer doing service as a crossing guard in his community, his curiosity takes over.

"He'll go up and grab (the officer's) name tag," said Zack's mother, Joanne Joseph Murphy.

But one day, Zack reached for a different object: the officer's gun. The officer knew Zack -- and knew the boy has autism -- so he simply turned away so Zack couldn't reach the weapon.

Because the officer knew Zack meant no harm, a potential tragedy was averted. Zack's mother was grateful for what didn't happen.

That's why Murphy was one of some 150 persons in attendance Monday at a seminar designed to make police officers and others aware of how to handle situations when they come into contact with individuals such as Zack.

"It's important they understand how to approach (people with autism)," Murphy said.

The seminar, hosted by the Macomb Intermediate School District and the Law Enforcement Awareness Network, featured Dennis Debbaudt, a former Detroit News reporter and father of a 21-year-old son with autism.

Debbaudt has written several books and articles on the subject, and he brought his experience and expertise to Macomb County on Monday.

"When you hear autism is involved, you have to think outside the box a little bit," Debbaudt told his audience.

Absent proper training, Debbaudt said, police officers, emergency room personnel and other first responders to an incident can't know whether they're dealing with a truly hostile person or simply somebody with autism possibly having a seizure. If an officer guesses wrong, a problem that might have been easily defused can escalate into a potentially dangerous situation.

"We made accommodations for people who we know have disabilities," said Debbaudt. "But what do you do to make accommodations for disabilities you can't see?"

By conducting seminars, Debbaudt hopes to shed some light and alert authorities to some of the signs. Among some basic things he said police officers must understand about people with autism:

•    Basic verbal and non-verbal communication is difficult
•    They may understand the significance of a police uniform, badge or vehicle and  may not understand what's expected of them
•    Don't demonstrate fear of danger
•    Likely have been victimized by bullying, teasing or taunting
•    Have insensitivity or high tolerance to pain
•    Appear as if they're deaf, or cover their ears and look away

In addition to the obvious benefits -- avoiding injury or harm to people with autism as well as the officers themselves -- Debbaudt said training can help police avoid finding themselves on the wrong end of a lawsuit.

"If you want to ignore that they have autism, it can be big trouble for you," he said.

Beth Alberti, director of center programs for the MISD, said Monday's seminar is part of the intermediate school district's efforts to bring to the community's attention issues and challenges physically and mentally challenged residents face.

"We have a real focus in the county to make people aware," she said.
 

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Save the Dates!!

December Conference in Minneapolis on Thursday & Friday December 2-3, 2004 - "Autism Strategies for Home, School & Community"

Featuring:

• Maria Bird- West Wheeler
• Dr. Luke Tsai
• Dennis Debbaudt

Conference Information Web Site: http://www.spectrumtrainingsystems.com/minneapolis.html

Email or call:
Spectrum Training Systems, Inc.
(920) 749-0332
Fax: (920) 882-0736
spectrumtrainingsystems@yahoo.com

Spectrum Training Systems is dedicated to presenting the best autism conferences, seminars and workshops to the autism community. Learn more about this outstanding group and their upcoming events by visiting: http://www.spectrumtrainingsystems.com/

• Autism recognition and response
• Public safety and criminal justice issues
• Initial contact
• Restraint and arrest options
• Perpetrator and victim trends
• Dilemmas in interrogation and interview settings
• School resource officer issues
• Working proactively with families, advocacy organizations and school systems
• Model programs & cross educational opportunities
   

May be presented in full or half day sessions, for conference keynote or breakout sessions or adapted to suit the needs of the host organization.

This autism recognition, response and risk management workshop is designed to meet the needs of:

• Patrol and investigative law enforcement professionals
• Police training officers
• School resource officers
• Detective bureau
• Juvenile justice and victims rights specialists
• Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys, correctional, judicial and forensic criminal justice professionals
• Fire-Rescue
• 911 Dispatchers
• EMS/EMT, paramedics and emergency room professionals
• School district employees, including educators and paraprofessionals, food service, maintenance & transportation
• Adult care professionals
• Social Service professionals
• Travel & Hospitality professionals
• Retail and Private Security professionals

The workshop presents tips and options for communications and responses designed to successfully resolve a call or interaction involving a person with autism or Asperger syndrome. Everyone will come away with a good, practical understanding of the best approaches for interactions with children and adults who are affected by autism spectrum disorders.

The parent and care provider sessions address identification of autism issues of safety and risk, strategies  to prepare for and manage risks at home and in the community, and best options on how to form  partnerships with law enforcement, first response, criminal justice agencies and educators.

Dennis Debbaudt's materials are in use by law enforcement agencies in the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom

Team Project Development member, on-camera host & narrator for Autism Awareness Video for Law Enforcement/Community Service Personnel (1999 winner ASA Excellence In Media Award

Curriculum Review Team member and resource for Why Law Enforcement Needs To Recognize Autism (Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions October, 1999) The first ever, by and for, law enforcement curriculum on autism awareness

Cited resource for POST Field Guide: Police Response to People with Mental Illness or Developmental Disability, by the Municipal Police Officers' Education & Training Commission, (Hershey, Pennsylvania 2001)

Dennis is a member of the American Society for Law Enforcement Training (ASLET) and has completed the Emergency Psychology Technician Training program Managing Situations Involving Mentally Disturbed Persons at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York in conjunction with the New York Police Department Emergency Service Unit

Ten years experience presenting autism & law enforcement workshops

Debbaudt's workshops have been certified for law enforcement credits in California, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire and Oregon


Workshop Feedback

Comments from Dennis Debbaudt's presentation at the Ontario Chiefs of Police Association Victims Issues Seminar of April 9, 2003 in London, Ontario:

I learned a lot ­ much could be used with mentally ill.  

I will be more aware of the possibility of a person having autism and more able to assist them.

Excellent presentation ­ thank you Dennis.

Dennis was quite engaging and interesting.  He is well informed and used personal   experiences to show his passion for the subject.

Excellent Œhands on¹ information and education for professionals

Good awareness to assist in understanding issues and symptoms.  Very practical and useful.

Excellent ­ should be shown to police recruits and in-service ­type training for seasoned officers

I really learned a lot.  Wonderful sense of humour.

Very helpful presentation ­ given with passion/energy!  Well researched.

Very relaxed speaker ­ humour great asset.  Video good ­ I enjoyed it.


Evaluation Responses ­ May 18, 2004
Reducing Risk Situations for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
Auburn, New York
Speaker:  Dennis Debbaudt

I learnedŠ

ß There needs to be a lot more education of the general public to make them aware of what autism is about and the symptoms
ß The caution necessary to properly address a person with autism
ß More ways of determining if a person has autism and how to and not to handle situations
ß What autism really was and understood its meaning
ß A lot.  This was my first training on Autism
ß Ways to respond to a person with autism, be calm, listen, do not over react, don¹t over stimulate person.  They have over attraction to some inanimate objects.  Danger of positional asphyxia
ß Autism is more common than I thought
ß What autism is and characteristics/behaviors of people with autism
ß Autism is not a mental or psychological disorder.  Autistic people are attracted to water and shiny objects
ß Many common symptoms of autism that can be misread
ß Some autistic people can seem normal at first.
ß Many different areas on the topic of autism.  I learned about many informational facts on autism.
ß Warning signs of autism, autistic people only think concretely, have a chance to be somewhat independent if given proper care.
ß Specific information about autism itself, how to recognize potential people with autism, how to deal with autistic people in emergency situations.
ß Wandering in autistic people.  I was unaware of this behavior.
ß What autism is and what to look for
ß Seizure activity in 40% of people with autism
ß The true meaning of autism and its characteristics
ß It is typical for my son to cover his ears and look away from others.  Didn¹t realize the amount of autistic individuals with some sort of seizure activity, made aware of leaving information available for others
ß People with autism can crowd a person¹s personal space (I always thought they were more aloof)
ß That there are a lot more people with autism than I realized
ß That I may have interacted with an autistic child/adult and did not realize
ß How to be much more responsive to a person with autism
ß More in depth understanding of what it is like to be autistic
ß About body language, paraphrasing, and how to deal with an autism person

I likedŠ

ß The different agencies that were in attendance at the workshop
ß Mr. Debbaudt¹s knowledge concerning subject and his complete coverage of the topic
ß How the presenter connected with the audience, hearing the ³new info.²
ß I think the presentation was excellent and learned a lot!
ß That Dennis used examples and also used body language to express his examples and that he shared the picture cards & response cards with us
ß Dennis is a great speaker, down to earth, and very informative
ß The power point presentation and the speaker¹s confidence, knowledge
ß The way it was shown and how it was put together not only with talking but with movies
ß Learning techniques in communicating with autism
ß The video was very informative.  Mr. Debbaudt used examples very well to explain each talking point
ß The knowledge that the presenter has about autism
ß Mr. Debbaudt¹s presentation skills.  The way he presented information made it easy to understand and gave me a better understanding of autism
ß The explanations given and the video shown
ß The stories about the beach
ß The large range of information
ß The movie about real autistic cases
ß How Mr. Debbaudt used many statistics to justify his topic.  Also, I liked how he related his presentation to individual¹s everyday lives
ß Examples, thorough explanation, humor
ß The video.  It was excellent!
ß Very much enjoyed the full presentation
ß All the insight that was given in this course
ß The speaker, Dennis kept it interesting
ß The whole program.  It was very knowledgeable
ß The speaker¹s ability to convey his knowledge on a level of understanding
ß The examples used to prove or show a point
ß The personal approach
ß The fact that it taught you basic skills for dealing with autistic people
ß Entire presentation
ß The way Dennis presented this program, you could tell he has a lot of hands on with this subject
ß The way the subject autism was put acrossŠvery good speaker
ß That you actually have a child with autism and could give first hand information from your intimate knowledge of the disorder
ß Everything

I see things a little differently now becauseŠ

ß Of learning about the symptoms and things to be done to handle situations
ß Through instructional training we can provide better care
ß Follow throughŠSRO training
ß Now I know how they will react to ways that you can make things better or how you can cause the situation to become worse
ß I never realized how much of a barrier there could be from first responders that have had no training or experience
ß Having a refresher on information is always beneficial
ß Because I understand more clearly.  I don¹t feel it was explained as clearly in other training
ß I will think about the needs of the individual, reduce sensory stimulation and be calm
ß I have had contact with students with autism, and could think of examples to some of the behaviors talked about during the seminar
ß I now understand how to recognize people with autism
ß I know what to look for/how to recognize autism
ß If I have to communicate with someone that is autistic I will understand their thinking process a little better
ß I know common symptoms
ß I know a kid with autism and now I know more about the symptoms
ß I am more knowledgeable about autism and how it affects peoples lives
ß Explanation of symptoms and mind track
ß Of the information provided
ß Being aware of which students we need to be aware of in case of a bus emergency, especially with students that wander
ß I didn¹t know about autism, well, not much
ß These characteristics are really seen in a lot of children we transport
ß I can identify behaviors and know procedures to de-escalate
ß I am more aware of the thought process of autistic people
ß Now I will look for signs of autism on calls
ß I now understand about autism more than I did before
ß Get more information from caregivers so I can better handle a situation

Something I now intend to do differently isŠ

ß Try to see if what I learned today is noticeable at work
ß Suppress assumptions and address people with autism with patience
ß Spend more time educating (on the spot bus drivers, SRO¹s, talk to parents re:  tracking, all data base, permission to talk to SRO¹s
ß Try to help others to better understand the actions of autistic people and how to handle the situation
ß Suggest that our staff assist our individuals with autism with making information cards to carry if they choose to
ß Help the individuals on my caseload prepare for an emergency better.  Re:  emergency card ­ great idea
ß Remind myself and staff to take their time, and have patience.  Talk with staff about approaching a consumer that lives home to create an information card to carry
ß Being more to their level when I approach a person who hasn¹t been diagnosed but has all the symptoms
ß Stay calm when interacting
ß Give more time for responses to my questions and more space
ß Approach people with autism differently
ß Is to be patient if I am interacting with someone who is autistic
ß Not immediately judge each person who seemingly ignores or approaches you
ß Make sure I stay calm and patient
ß Identify autism and relate today¹s presentation to my situation.  Before today, I might have seen someone that I thought was crazy and I would have stereotyped them.  Now, I might think twice.
ß Spend extra time in initial contact with peopleŠbe patient
ß Provide some initial training to my volunteer fire department
ß To share with my employees review your material with them.  Work with director of special needs to help bus drivers and monitors
ß Be more patient
ß Give space and time and handle situations more patiently
ß Try to be more patient in waiting for a response to situations.  Try a different approach for calming down
ß On handling pt¹s step back:  look at all mannerism, just in case dealing with autistic person and not someone on drugs, etc
ß How I react to escalated situations
ß Be more aware!  Visit autistic children/adults
ß Try to stay more calm with these children
ß To be more understanding and patient than before
ß Look at the behaviors carefully

A comment I would like to makeŠ

ß It was a very good presentation
ß Thank you for this important workshop
ß They need to educate the other children in school to not be so afraid of children with autism because of actions they do to make others uncomfortable.  I guess true of adults also.
ß It was nice to hear from someone who is a professional as well as a parent ­ experience is the best education
ß Corrections Officers would benefit from this training to learn how to communicate with inmates who may be autistic.
ß I think it is wonderful to see police, firefighters and SRO staff get this training
ß I will share this info. with my staff
ß This training is very informative.  I suggest you contact NYSP headquarters in Albany, NY and talk to Renise Holihan, to possibly fit this training in to our annual training week.  Especially since 1 out of 166 people are autistic.  
ß During the summer months I work as a lifeguard at Harris Park Beach in Cayuga, New York.  Last summer there was a young boy who came to the beach regularly who was diagnosed with autism.  As a lifeguard I often found it difficult to communicate with this individual.  I had never received any training or any instruction on how to handle situations with individuals such as this young boy.  I¹m glad to see that this problem is being addressed and that you are making a valid effort to educate the community on Autism.
ß Very informative
ß The speaker was very good, he made the presentation interesting
ß I thought Mr. Debbaudt¹s presentation was excellent.  I sincerely learned a lot of information on autism and I am grateful that I could be in Mr. Debbaudt¹s presence today
ß The presentation provided much knowledge in encountering autistic people:  do¹s and don¹ts, patience, triggers
ß This course should be a requirement for people who work in my field.  Thanks ­ very good!
ß The presenter was greatly knowledgeable and I look forward to reading both his books.
ß This was a very good presentation.  This was an extremely informative and appreciated conference.  Thank you!
ß Very informative and helpful in both EMS and everyday life
ß I really respect the presenter for using his personal situation to impart important information to people who truly need to know
ß This was very good ­ should be mandatory for all EMS & law enforcement
ß Great speaker ­ got my attention from beginning to end
ß Great job!
 

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A Big Thanks!! to:

• Paul Shattock at the University of Sunderland¹s Autism Research Unit and my friends in the UK autism community and Danish superadvocate Mie Ravn!! Thanks for understanding! The hurricanes forced me to cancel European  events schedules for September. I¹m happy to announce that I will get back to the UK in 2005 and hopefully, Denmark, too!!
• Penny Brennell, Jean Haase and everyone from the Judevine Center for Autism and Becky Murphy from the St. Louis, Missouri County Police Academy for making the workshops a success--See you next year!
• Andrew and Carolyn Gammichia at http://www.leanonus.org/ ; Sandy McMurray at  http://www.autismarts.com/; Beth Alberti from the Macomb Intermediate School District and Annette Duda of the Macomb-St.Clair Chapter of the Autism Society of America for organizing the very successful events in Macomb County!
• Madonna Kramer of Uniting Paradigms and my friend Liane Holliday Willey for the great conference in Grand Rapids! Your messages went a long way. I¹m still getting great feedback. Contact Madonna at unitingparadigms@yahoo.com for a Uniting Paradigms events calendar.
• Stacey Shannon of the Autism Society of New Hampshire and Dellie Champagne and Wendy Watts of the Asperger Association of New England-New Hampshire Chapter for organizing the workshop at the New Hampshire Police Training Academy and University of New Hampshire. We made some great contacts in law enforcement and had a lot of fun!
• Karen Duhon and everybody from the Southwest Louisiana Chapter of the Autism Society of America and Lt. Frank Adams of the Lake Charles Police Department. Great feedback and great food! Lagniappe, fo¹ sho !!!
• Jacquie Mace and the great advocates from the Autism Society of McLean County. The contacts you made will go long way in Bloomington/Normal illinois. The audience make up was very impressive. Give my best to the Chief and we¹ll see you next year!
• Cheryl and Jessica Watson and Mary Crawmer of Spectrum Training Systems for the great conferences in Green Bay and Chicago, for the slot machine tips and luck, and for making sure I got the cheesehead OK! You¹re doing important work out here. See you in Minneapolis!

I'm dedicated to seeing autism issues represented professionally to law enforcement, first response, criminal justice, and emergency response professionals everywhere. We've come a long way on this since the early 90's--yet there's still a long way to go. With your help, we'll get there.

Again and always, I want to thank my wife Gay and son Brad for allowing me to get out here and do this work.

Enjoy Autumn!

Enjoy the beautiful Fall weather and Thanksgiving in the U.S.!

The newsletter will be back before the end of the year!

I'm always seeking feedback, advice and information. Please send it my way!

This newsletter is sent out occasionally. To subscribe, send an email to ddpi@flash.net

Please circulate far and wide!

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Dennis Debbaudt, 2338 SE Holland Street, Port St. Lucie FL 34952
Phone 772/398-9756, Email ddpi@flash.net
http://www.autismriskmanagement.com/
http://policeandautism.cjb.net/