BEH 0007 - Autism Spectrum Disorder and First Responders
Course Description
Instructors: Kianna Csolle, M.S., BCBA, Robin Kuhn, Ph.D., BCBA, & Scott McEathron, M.SBACB CEUs: 0.5
According to Eric Whitaker (n.d.), “Emergency preparedness is a team sport.” Presumably so is emergency responding, meaning both emergency preparedness and emergency responding are a team endeavour. Emergencies, or situations requiring immediate assistance from first responders, may be managed most efficiently and successfully when all parties involved work together; from the community members directly experiencing the emergency to the first responders who initially assess and attend to the emergency. A team-based approach may also be of benefit when the individual directly experiencing an emergency is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or another intellectual or developmental disability (ASD-I/DD). This presentation will review (1) what constitutes an emergency and types of emergency situations the ASD-I/DD population may encounter; (2) behavioural strategies for teaching the ASD-I/DD population skills related to preventing and responding effectively during emergencies; and (3) resources and training for first responders in the areas of law enforcement, emergency medicine, and firefighting regarding interacting with individuals diagnosed with ASD-I/DD during emergencies.
Suggestions for emergency preparedness for individuals diagnosed with ASD-I/DD and their families, care givers, instructors, and allies will be provided. The need for additional research on behavioural approaches to emergency prevention and preparation among members of the ASD-I/DD population as well as training for emergency personnel will also be discussed.
Learner Outcomes
- Describe at least three emergency situations the ASD-I/DD population may encounter.
- List at least two behavioural strategies for teaching the ASD-I/DD population skills related to either preventing or responding effectively during emergencies.
- Describe at least one resource or training for first responders in the areas of law enforcement, emergency medicine, and firefighting regarding interacting with individuals diagnosed with ASD or I/DD during emergencies.
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