The Basics of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Training Series

Regional Autism Advisory Council of

Southwest Ohio (RAAC-SWO)

Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Task Force

Adult Training Series Modules

Module One: Autism Defined, Autism Prevalence and Primary Characteristics

Module Two: Physical Characteristics of Autism

Module Three: Cognition and Learning in Autism

Module Four: Autism and Sensory Differences

Module Five: Communication and Autism

Adult Training Series Modules

Module Six: Behavior Challenges and Autism

Module Seven: Understanding Behavior in Persons with Autism

Module Eight: Functional Behavior Assessment

Module Nine: Autism and Leisure Skills to Teach

Module Ten: Special Issues of Adolescence and Adulthood

Module Eleven: Safety and AutismModule Eleven: Safety and Autism

SafetyEmergencies:

Because people with ASD can look like everyone else, police and other emergency responders may expect answers to questions that the person is not able to give (for example, giving their name).

Some behaviors can be misunderstood (for example, reaching to touch the officer’s badge).

Safety

Emergencies:Because people with ASD may have low muscle

tone, emergency responders should never restrain the person by placing on his/her stomach. This type of restraint has caused death.

Safety

Dangerous situations:The person may be drawn to materials such as

matches and other dangerous items. Wandering off may be a problem. The person may not know how to move around in

traffic, such as safely crossing the street.The person may not understand the danger of going

off with a stranger.

Big Idea

A person with ASD may not recognize a dangerous situation.

Safety Strategies

Get to know the neighbors. Get to know nearby public safety agencies,

police, fire department, and other emergency responders.

Consider notifying them that a person with ASD lives in the home including where they sleep and other special needs.

If staff is in the community with someone with ASD, they should carry/wear identification.

Safety StrategiesIdentification

The person with ASD should carry identification at all times.

The person should practice showing their identification.

The person should wear a medical alert bracelet/Identification bracelet.

Identification information should say that the person may not be able to speak or may be too frightened to answer questions in an emergency.

Safety and ASD:Strategies at Home

At home, door alarms may be helpful to make sure the person doesn’t leave the house without your knowledge.

If the person with ASD has dietary restrictions, refrigerator locks and cabinet locks may be needed. (Special permission is necessary for this.)

Removable stove knobs may be helpful if the person with ASD isn’t aware of the danger of burning themselves.

Cleaning supplies and other dangerous products may need to be locked up.

Safety and ASD: In the Community

Autism decals for car windows are available to make sure that in case of an emergency, responders know that there is a passenger with ASD in the vehicle.

(contact www.autismcincy.org).

Many people with ASD are attracted to water. Swimming lessons are helpful to make sure the person is water safe.

Behavior and SafetyWhen possible, be prepared for situations that

could lead to behavior difficulties.

Know the early signs of a problem behavior.

Have a plan for when problems occur.

Get to know the people who work in the places you go to frequently in the community so they can be helpful in an emergency.

Big Idea

Get to know the warning signs of a behavior problem so that little problems do not become big ones.