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Flesch: 20.4
Kincaid: 15.2
Fog: 18.4
According to the most recent information available (Aug. 2015), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that from 2000 to 2010 the prevalence of autism increased by nearly 120 percent. Furthermore, a March 27, 2014 announcement from the CDC states that autism impacts 1 in 68 children across the nation.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism is a brain development disorder resulting in difficulties related to social interaction and communication. Since the behaviors displayed by individuals with autism vary, this disability is frequently referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
First Responders and Autism Awareness …show more content…
Lashley in conjunction with a wide range of other national professionals collaborated to create a report outlining the characteristics of an individual with ASD.
The report states that individuals with autism spectrum disorders do not understand what others need or want from them; furthermore, these individuals may not comprehend that their actions and words could negatively impact themselves or others. This difficulty interacting with natural social values and concepts frequently leads to the individual experiencing problems with others, including law enforcement.
Minimize Risks Through Awareness
First responders who take autism training courses online become familiar with the behaviors commonly associated with ASD. Autism training assists first responders in their ability to recognize the signs of autism; thus, providing the skills necessary to minimize the risk of experiencing problems while communicating with individuals who are autistic.
Interacting with Individuals Who Have …show more content…
Some autistic individuals will mimic others by repeating their words; therefore, many individuals with autism spectrum disorders have difficulty communicating. In addition, recognizing body language is a challenge for people with autism.
An individual who has autism may:
Struggle when attempting to make and maintain eye contact, which may be misinterpreted by law enforcement as suspicious or defiant. Unfortunately, without adequate autism awareness training, an encounter with an autistic individual can lead to a rapid escalation that ends in injury or death. Find engaging in social situations difficult. Remain unresponsive when someone asks for his or her name and find it difficult to follow verbal commands. It can take more than 10 seconds for an individual with ASD to understand and then comply with a verbal demand. Follow strict routines and perform repetitive behaviors. Become agitated in the event of a new situation, loud noise, the presence of a stranger or an unanticipated