How Super Heroes Should Interact with Police?

Quick Facts for Fire Fighters

Thank you to Autism Speaks & Papremisealert.com for these tips
  • People with autism can't be identified by appearance. They look the same as anyone else. They're identified by their behavior.
  • Some people with autism do not have a typical range of sensations and may not feel the cold, heat, or pain in a typical manner. In fact they may fail to acknowledge pain in spite of significant pathology being present. They may show an unusual pain response that could include laughter, humming, singing and removing of clothing.
  • Speak in short clear phrases “Get in.” “Sit Down.” “Wait here.” An people with autism may take longer to respond to directives, and that can be because they don't understand what's being demanded of them, or even just because they're scared, they may not be able to process the language and understand a directive when fearful.
  • When restraint is necessary during fire emergency, be aware that many people with autism may have a poorly developed upper trunk area. Positional asphyxiation could occur if steps are not taken to prevent it: frequent change of position, not keeping them face down. People with autism may continue to resist restraint during a fire emergency. You may have best luck wrapping them in a blanket with their arms inside.  They will feel safer and will be more manageable. 
  • Adults with autism are just as likely to hide, like children, in a fire situation. Closets, under bed and behind furniture checks need to be done during search and rescue.
  • People with autism are a wandering or bolt risk after rescue. Firefighter must stay with the person with autism or hand off to another caregiver.
Cannata, W. (2007). Autism 101 for Fire and Rescue, from SPEAK Web site: www.papremisealert.com
Resources for Fire Fighters

Information provided is a compilation from MCPD, Pathfinders for Autism, Autism Speaks and Jenn & Jake's own personal experiences.

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 The World According to Jake® and Empowering Autism Caregivers LLC.,® are owned and operated solely by Jenn Lynn. 
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