Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause challenges in childhood development, behavior, communication, and social skills.
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder are 7 times more likely to come into contact with law enforcement, compared to their neurotypical peers. And, nearly 50% of those with ASD (of all ages) are at greater risk of wandering away from safety, requiring intervention from first responders. In conjunction with National Police Week, we wanted to share a few tips to help our partners in blue as they strive to keep everyone safe!
1. Their Interests
Kiddos on the Autism Spectrum often have highly specialized interests. When helping families whose child has eloped (wandered away), learn about the child’s likes and dislikes from their parents or caregivers, including places they might go or those they might avoid, recent attractions or fixations, etc.
2. Their Communication
Determine how the child communicates and whether or not they will respond to their name. Some children with ASD might have a fear of someone in uniform or wearing a hat. They might avoid eye contact, have delayed speech or language skills, or not respond to verbal commands like “stop”. Nearly 1 in 3 people with ASD are non-verbal so knowing a few ASL signs or having visual aids can make a huge difference.
3. Safety Risks
Someone with ASD might have an impaired sense of danger, causing them to approach bodies of water, traffic, or strangers without understanding the risk. Water is a common fascination for children with Autism but creates a risk of accidental drowning or hypothermia in colder weather. Identify nearby bodies of water, including pools, ponds, rivers, etc.
4. The Search
Someone with ASD might hide in tight or small spaces (a dryer, cabinet, under the beds, etc.) because it provides a sense of comfort like being in a “cocoon”. When searching for a lost individual, it is important to check these tight spaces, and other “good hiding spots” – think a child playing hide-and-seek. And remember, they may not respond to verbal commands or the calling out of their name, possibly because they can’t, or possibly because they are scared.
5. The Approach
Ask permission and explain what you are going to do before approaching or touching the individual. Speak in a normal, quiet, low-pitched voice. Stay calm and be patient. Use sensory tools to create a calm environment (noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, fidget toys, etc.)
Resources
For families of kiddos with ASD, it is equally important that they are able to provide the necessary information to law enforcement officers, should an emergency ever arise. This could include having a current photo, list of medications and/ or diagnosis, communication needs, and more.
The Polk County Loved Ones Stay Together (L.O.S.T.) Program assists officers in locating and identifying those with ASD and other conditions that could put them at risk for becoming lost or wandering. The program is a computer database that contains information about the person that would assist officers to better locate, communicate with and interact with the individual. The enrollment form records demographic information, physical description, photograph and additional helpful information.
Project Lifesaver is a similar initiative nationwide, including Iowa and Minnesota’s Support Center, where law enforcement, fire/rescue, and caregivers are equipped with a program designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with ASD and other conditions who are prone to wandering/ elopement. The system is a community-based, non-profit organization administered by public safety-oriented organizations and includes equipment, training, procedures and record keeping.
When a candidate is accepted into the program, a personal locating unit device, about the size of a wrist watch, is attached to their wrist or ankle using a hospital ID type of band. It is waterproof and worn 24/7 transmitting a trackable radio pulse or “chirp” every second.