Autism Spectrum Disorders and Public Safety Considerations: Guidance For Families, Caregivers and Self-Advocates

Discuss the curriculum developed by the Virginia Public Safety Workgroup to enhance many aspects for safety of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. This approach involves education of not just families, but also law enforcement, medical first responders and judicial officials. Begun in 2010, the Virginia Public Safety Workgroup developed a tailored curriculum to enhance many aspects for safety of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder.  This was ordered by the Virginia Legislature in response to a study that highlighted significant shortfalls for services for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder living in the Commonwealth.  Four distinct modules were developed for families, law enforcement, medical first responders, and judicial officials.  The presentation that I have used over 200 times since 2005 was the basis for the family module.  I will specifically review that module with extra emphasis on how to develop a similar approach for other states.