Autism Tips for Emergency Responders: Temperature Regulation

Getting my son to wear a coat in the winter takes an act of Congress, regardless of the frigid outside temperatures. I used to think he was lazy, or perhaps that the material of the coat bothered him (he has a multitude of sensory processing issues and I often have to make sure his shirts are […]

Beyond Bullying: Autism and Sexual Abuse

I’m a petite single female working in public safety. I’m strong; I lift heavy weights six days a week, I run every other day, I do MMA workouts on the days I don’t run, and I take boxing classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I own firearms and I’m trained to properly handle them. I have […]

7 Tips for Communicating with a Nonverbal Autistic Patient

Just because a person can’t speak doesn’t mean they have nothing to say. Communication is a basic human need. In fact, it falls fairly predominantly in the middle of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, under “Social Belonging.” The ability to communicate makes it possible to exchange opinions, thoughts and meanings, enabling us to express ourselves and […]

5 Possible Causes of Autism Self-Injurious Behavior

Both of my teens experience significant gastrointestinal issues as part of their autism. I was out running errands with my daughter (who just turned 19! How did this happen?!) and she had severe cramping from abnormal cycles and anxiety. We had no access to pain relief meds; then I looked over and saw her punching […]

Emergency Responders: 7 Things You NEED to Know About Autism Wandering

As an autism mom, worry and fear can be my constant companions. My entire life can change in the blink of an eye, especially because my child wanders. My son has been wandering since he could walk. One particular time, he was playing with the hose in the front yard. Wearing no shirt or shoes, he didn’t […]

Top 5 Autism Sensory Items to Keep in Your Jump Bag

If you are on a chaotic scene and you’ve identified either a patient or family member as autistic, congratulations! Understanding a person’s gifts and challenges and communication style goes a long way in being able to help them. In the immortal words of G.I. Joe, knowing is half the battle But now what? As you […]

Autism Tips for Emergency Responders: Stop Echoing Me!

Have you ever had that one annoying sibling when you were growing up that would torture you all afternoon by repeating EVERY. SINGLE. THING. YOU. SAID? No matter what you did, you couldn’t get them to break. It was like Chinese water torture. Whether an autistic person is verbal or nonverbal, you may encounter the […]

I’m an Autistic Adult… and I’m in Purgatory

I’m 18. I graduated high school last July. I’m “high functioning” enough to be able to take care of my brother and myself when my mom is on night shift on the ambulance. I can dress myself (although not according to society’s “fashion” standards), I keep up with hygiene, sleep and wake on a self-imposed […]

Autism Tips for Emergency Responders: Autism and Violence

I often get asked during my autism trainings for first responders whether or not it is more likely to see someone with autism using drugs and alcohol, specifically when I describe sensory issues and what it’s like to experience them. This often leads to a discussion on autism and violence. Are autistic people more prone […]

image courtesy of interacting with autism

Managing Autism Meltdowns Before They Escalate

I’ve spent the last several years teaching emergency responders how to recognize someone as autistic, whether it’s a police matter, medical emergency or search and rescue call. This training has changed the way responders assess and handle situations, ensuring safety for everyone involved. The number one rule, at least in EMS, is that we all […]

Autism: Don’t Stand So Close to Me

Picture this: you respond to a call for a 26 y/o male “not acting right” (that’s about the extent of information WE get from dispatch, anyway ). You arrive on scene and are immediately approached by a 5’9” 230-lb male who won’t make eye contact or respond to his name. He proceeds to get too […]

image courtesy of homeschoolingalmanac.com

Autism and Bullying

In late 2009 I packed my house, my kids and my dog and moved us to Knoxville, TN on a whim. It took much longer to drive a 27′ truck (that was towing my ’96 Chevy Blazer) filled with 5 years worth of crap than we anticipated and arrived in the middle of the night. […]

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Autism Training for Emergency Responders • Emergency Preparedness