Understanding Autism: A Guide for First Responders

Описание: Understanding Autism & EMS | Presented by Liané Mitchell

In this full-length educational presentation, Liané Mitchell, CEO & Co-Founder of Feral Pagans, Certified Flight Medic, and nationally certified instructor in BLS, ACLS (ALS), CPR, PALS, and advanced life-saving courses, breaks down what first responders need to understand about autism in the field.

This 33-minute training is built to increase awareness, improve communication, and promote safer outcomes for both responders and autistic individuals during emergency interactions.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
01:06 Understanding the Unique Relationship Between First Responders and Patients with ASD
01:23 Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
3:14 DSM-IV vs DSM-V-TR
6:26 Understanding Stimming Definition
9:48 Recognizing the Difference between Stimming vs Substance Influence
11:06 Approaching a Person with Autism
14:44 Understanding Co-Morbidities in Patients with ASD
16:16 Verbal vs Nonverbal Communication in Autism
18:43 Resources for Communicating with Nonverbal Autistic Patients
22:07 Tailored Approaches for Sensory Sensitivity
23:50 Involving Caregivers in Patient Care
25:44 Searching for Missing Patients with Autism: Key Questions and Approaches
29:51 Spreading Awareness: Debunking Myths about Autism
30:46 Conclusion and Q&A Session

Who This Training Is For

• EMS Professionals
• Police Officers
• Search and Rescue Teams
• Firefighters
• Emergency Department Personnel
• Other First Responders
Core Topics Covered

Understanding Autism
• What autism is
• What autism is not
• Spectrum variability
• Communication differences

Debunking Myths
• Behavioral misconceptions
• Compliance vs. communication
• “Non-verbal” does not mean “non-understanding”

Interacting with Autistic Patients
• Scene approach considerations
• Communication techniques
• De-escalation strategies
• Managing sensory overload
• Working effectively with caregivers

Autistic individuals interact with emergency systems every day. Preparedness and awareness can significantly reduce escalation and improve safety for everyone involved.

References & Sources

1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, Text Revision. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2022. Accessed August 11, 2025. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatri...
2. Autism Speaks. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Accessed August 11, 2025. https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Reviewed December 5, 2024. Accessed August 11, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/ind...
4. Amaral DG, Schumann CM, Nordahl CW. Neuroanatomy of autism. Trends Neurosci. 2008;31(3):137-145. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2007.12.005
5. Ecker C, Ginestet C, Feng Y, et al. Brain anatomy and its relationship to behavior in adults with autism spectrum disorder: a multicenter magnetic resonance imaging study. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2012;69(2):195-209. doi:10.1001/ archgenpsychiatry.2011.1251
6. Wolf JJ, Piven J. Neurodevelopmental disorders: Autism. In: Zigmond MJ, Rowland LP, Coyle JT, eds. Neurobiology of Brain Disorders: Biological Basis of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. Academic Press; 2015:597-612.
7. Autism Speaks. First responder autism training & safety. Accessed August 11, 2025. https://www.autismspeaks.org/first-re...
8. AssistiveWare. Proloquo2Go AAC app. Accessed August 11, 2025. https://www.assistiveware.com/product...

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