Autism and First Responders Community Connections Fair

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Keeping a loved one with autism safe is one of the most important challenges many families face today. Two of the characteristics of this developmental disability include a lack of safety awareness and a tendency for elopement or wandering, putting individuals with autism at a greater risk of dangerous situations. According to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission autism study (published June 2009, pg. 161-173), individuals with autism are seven times more likely to have a police encounter than their typical peers.

At the Autism Society Central Virginia (ASCV), we applaud, encourage, and share information at training efforts for first responders. However, we believe that establishing and building relationships between families and those who might respond in emergencies is of great importance too. From the news media and first hand accounts, we have seen how some of the behaviors individuals with autism display can be misunderstood or misinterpreted by the police and the public, leading to altercations, arrests, incarceration, and even tragedy in some cases. At the ASCV, we also hear from many families who are afraid to call the police for help, for fear that their loved one might be hurt or that they themselves might be judged or labeled as bad parents.

In the event of an emergency, it is also important that all members of the family be familiar with what types of rescue personnel might appear on scene to help. For example, firefighters in uniform might appear scary to someone who has never encountered them before, making some individuals inclined to hide or run from safety. The lights and sirens on some emergency vehicles may also trigger fear and/or sensory reactive behaviors for some individuals on the autism spectrum.

Therefore, the ASCV is excited to be hosting our Autism and First Responders Community Connection Fairs.

You can expect this event will be both fun - AND valuable!

Volunteers are need to help set up, clean up, run games and to face paint.