First Responders
The Autism Safety Project provides First Responders with information and guidelines for communicating with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in emergency situations.

Individuals with ASD: Response to Emergencies
"If you’ve met one person with autism – you’ve met one person with autism." Stephen Shore

Autism manifests itself differently in each individual with ASD, varying in severity and symptoms. While there are often common behaviors across the autism spectrum, there is no single one that is always typical of an individual with ASD. This can make it difficult for a safety professional to react accordingly, which is critical for both a successful interaction and the safety of these individuals.

Information on Autism Spectrum Disorder - Print Version of Autism Basics PDF

First Responders Training
The overall goal of First Responder Training is to ensure the safety of ALL involved in an emergency situation. Important points to include when training First Responders are:    

• Identification of medical and behavioral risks associated with individuals with ASD
• Options for risk management 
• Common Characteristics of individuals with ASD

Click here to go to the Autism Speaks Community Connections' First Responders page!

A Collaborative Effort: Families and First Responders
The Autism Safety Project supports family participation in order to ensure that the most effective and safe responses to emergency situations are provided to individuals with ASD.

Be Prepared with Emergency Information at your Fingertips!
Emergency Information at a Glance - PDF

Create an Informational Handout for First Responders!
Emergency Information for Individuals with the Autism Spectrum Disorder - PDF

 
A special thanks to the Safety Professionals and Parent Advisory Committee,
the Family Services Committee, and all those who helped
to make Autism Safety Project possible.

The Autism Safety Project website was made possible through a
generous grant from the FedEx Corporation.