This document provides information to help plan emergency responses for individuals with autism. It discusses developing a safety plan, sharing special knowledge about an individual's needs and abilities with first responders, common autism-related risks like wandering, and ways to safely interact with first responders. Some strategies presented include creating emergency contact forms, using identification like license plates or cards, tracking technology, developing partnerships between responders and educators, and being proactive to help new families and dispel myths. The overall message is to take steps now to prepare an effective response for any potential autism-related emergencies.

1. Plan Your Response for
an Autism Emergency!
Presented by Dennis Debbaudt

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3. Objectives?
Develop a
Safety Plan!

4. Share Special
Knowledge
With Those That
Need to Know Now!

5. Spectrum Conditions
• Low & high functioning
• Independence level
• Public safety
• Criminal justice risks

6. Dangerous
Wandering

7. Watch Video
• Click on the presentation videos link and then
click the “Wondering Video Link”

8. Safe
Interactions
With
First
Responders

9. Home, Community
and
On Campus

10. The Decision
to Disclose!!

11. Icons
Of
Autism

12. Watch Video
• Click on the “Autism Icon” video link on the
presentation videos page.

13. License Plate

14. Louisiana Plate

15. Florida Plate

16. Autism Awareness

17. Autism Traffic Sign

18. Preparation
Alert
Response

19. Alert
Neighbors

20. Watch Video
• Click on the “Old Ale Jeffrey” link on our
presentation video page

21. What to
Disclose?

22. Emergency Contact Form
• Name, physical description, photo
• Emergency ICE contact persons names, home, cell
and pager phone numbers
• Attractions, locations, water sources
• Sensory, medical, or dietary issues and requirements,
if any
• 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

23. Watch Video
• Click on the “ICE Clip” on the presentation
video page.

24. All
Sensory
Issues

25. Hyper
Hypo
Sensitive

26. Behavioral
Deescalation
Meltdowns

27. ID
Info Cards
T-Shirts &
Tattoos
"

28. Watch Video
• Click on the “Fire Rescue Car Accident Scene”
link on your presentation videos page.

29. Tracking Technology
&
Registry Programs

30. Autism Registry

31. Adapt & Amend
Handout

32. Develop A Plan!

33. Role Play
with
Friends

34. Make It Work
FOR YOU!!

35. Keep
Records
Re
Records

36. Risk & Safety
at the IEP???

37. Partnerships:
1st Responders-Educators-Parents
1. Cross educational opportunities
2. Provide in safe environments
3. Build student & responder skills

38. Early & Often
Suited to Age and Ability Levels
Frequent Bursts of Information
Over a Long Period of Time

39. Community
Days!

40. First Response
in the
Classroom!

41. What’s Next?

42. Dispel Myths,
Rumors &
Preconceptions

43. Open Up Discussions!!

44. Voices of Autism

45. Watch Video
• Click on the “Voices of Autism” on your
presentations video page.

46. Be Proactive!!!!!

47. ALERT FAMILIES
NEW TO
AUTISM!

48. DEVELOP A
RESPONSE PLAN
NOW!!

49. Questions?