Safety. Awareness. Education.
Autism
Autism affects 1 in 31 children and approximately 40% of children with autism do not speak. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder and nearly half of children with autism wander/elope from safe settings.
Signs of Autism
Social Impairments
Cognitive Impairments
Communication Difficulties
Repetitive Behaviors
Early Signs:
A person with ASD might:
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Not respond to their name (the child may appear deaf)
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Not point at objects or things of interest
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Not play "pretend" games
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Avoid eye contact
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Want to be alone
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Have difficulty understanding or showing understanding other people's feelings or their own
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Have no speech or delayed speech
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Repeat words or phrases
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Get upset by minor changes
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Have obsessive interests
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Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
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Over or under sensitivity
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Have low or no social skills
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Avoid or resist physical contact
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Demonstrate little safety or danger awareness
Diagnosis:
Developmental Screening
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All children should be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular well-child doctor visits at:
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9 months
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18 months
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24 or 30 months
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Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
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This thorough review may include looking at the child's behavior and development and interviewing the parents
- May also include:
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genetic testing
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neurological testing
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hearing and vision screening
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Meet The Police
Contact your local department
Reach out to your local agency and ask for a positive encounter with law enforcement for your loved one with autism. Encounters with the police can be intimidating for anyone, especially those with autism. It is best to promote a positive interaction so your loved one knows they are safe and how to encounters can go if law enforcement is ever required.
