Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), generally referred to as autism, is currently the most diagnosed neurological condition in Canada, yet people on the spectrum tend to be misunderstood and their behaviours misinterpreted. The likelihood that you will meet a person with ASD is high as this population is at an increased risk for an intervention involving first responders.

This Autism Spectrum Disorder course will outline some of the indicators that a first responder can recognize as indicative to an individual with autism, as well as some strategies and recommendations that may help first responders adapt or modify their approach to better support the individual with ASD in an emergency situation.

Learning Objectives

When you have completed this course you will be able to:

• Explain the importance of training first responders about autism spectrum disorder
• Recognize commonly associated characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder
• Describe challenges individuals with autism spectrum disorder may experience in emergency situations
• Outline strategies for more effective communication and interaction with autistic individuals
• Recall de-escalation strategies for first responders encountering an autistic individual in distress

Target Audience

Sworn Police, Police Services, Student, Government and Other First Responders, Private Security

Content Provider

This course was made available to the Canadian police community by the Toronto Police Service. Content for this course was provided by Autism Speaks Canada and the Pacific Autism Family Network with the support of a National Advisory Committee including:

Toronto Police Service
Vancouver Police
JIBC
Waterloo Regional Police Service
RCMP (Pacific Training Centre)
Giant Steps (Montreal)