The Autism Project launches educational video for first responders

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — To kickoff World Autism Acceptance Month, The Autism Project (TAP) screened an educational video in partnership with local public safety departments to provide first responders with additional training and techniques that are vital to effectively communicate with those who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Today, Sen. Jack Reed joined TAP, the Public Safety Special Needs Coalition, first responders, and other officials to watch the new educational video: Emergencies from an Autistic POV: Sensory Overload + Elopement.

According to TAP, about 22,000 Rhode Islanders have autism.

This video is designed to help viewers become better educated on autism and contribute to a safer community.

According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), elopement refers to a common occurrence for children with ASD, who wander away from caregivers.

Elopement occurs in approximately 49% of individuals diagnosed with ASD, where accidental harm and injury becomes a serious risk during such incidents, according to NIH.

These situations can be traumatic for caregivers and those with ASD. It is imperative for first responders to be aware of how to best assist an individual with ASD in these situations, TAP shared.

Sen. Reed shared the following statement:

“Elopement can be a frantic, harrowing experience for children with autism or a family member with special needs.  This initiative by TAP with their partners in local fire and police departments and network of community organizations, will help save lives.  It will help prevent elopement incidents from becoming tragedies and will give law enforcement and caregivers the tools, information, and resources to help first responders effectively local at-risk individuals and safely reunite them with their loved ones.”

A list of tips and elopement prevention can be found on The Autism Project’s website.