Emergency Preparedness

Family, Caregiver, and Individuals with Autism

Families, caregivers, and individuals with autism need to be prepared for emergencies, including fire, severe weather, injury, or encounters with first responders or law enforcement professionals. The following tools are designed to give you strategies for possible emergency scenarios and tips on achieving successful outcomes.

AuSM provides Emergency Preparedness training to families, organizations, communities, and other professionals. To set up an AuSM autism training, please contact AuSM’s education department at education@ausm.org or call 651.647.1083.

Emergency Preparedness Fact Sheet
A quick and basic guide for families, caregivers, and individuals with autism.

Emergency Forms for Families and Individuals
Emergency forms can be completed by families and individuals with autism and shared with first responders.

5-Point Scale Emergency App
The Autism 5-Point Scale Emergency app is free and downloadable through the iTunes store for iPods and iPads. This app helps individuals with ASD communicate with family, caregivers, first responders and other personnel in emergency situations. (The Incredible 5-Point Scale, Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis, Autism Asperger Pub. Co., 2003.)

iTunes Autism 5-Point Scale Emergency App (Apple)
Amazon App Store for Kindle Fire and Fire Phone (Android)

First Responders

With a steadily increasing diagnosis rate, autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in Minnesota. Because of this high prevalence, it is likely you will encounter someone affected by autism in your work as a first responder, in the criminal justice system, in public safety and security, as part of the medical community, and beyond.

Training
AuSM offers customized, scenario-focused training that includes understanding, planning and teaching steps to effectively handle emergency situations. The class includes two hours of engaging instruction, plus information about emergency preparedness resources available to those in Minnesota. We encourage local emergency responders and staff to seek training to ensure positive outcomes in emergency situations involving individuals with autism and many other similar special needs.

Topics Covered
A general introduction to autism; characteristics of autism as manifested in children, teenagers and adults; how to interpret the behavior of those on the spectrum; anticipated behavior of those with autism in emergency situations; suggested strategies for the communication and behavior management of those with autism in possible emergency response situations.

Who Should Participate
Police officers, firemen, EMTs, paramedics, security workers, ER and trauma workers, crisis team members, social workers, correctional officers, school safety officers, students of CLC in relevant areas of study.

Continuing Education
AuSM training is POST qualified, which means that police officers can use the training for continuing education. Proof of attendance can be provided to those who require CEUs in another field.