As citizens with disabilities become more mainstream members of society, public safety personnel are likely to encounter individuals with autism and mental disorders.  This presents unique challenges in emergency response, when routine situations may escalate to become out-of-the-ordinary.

Autistic individuals often behave in unpredictable ways.  Their reactions are the result of being   unable to interpret body language and social cues.  This sometimes causes violent situations with persons who are incapable of complying with emergency response directions and commands. 

Effective January 1, 2008, Illinois state law mandates a police training curriculum that includes “instruction aimed at identifying and interacting with persons with autism and other developmental disabilities.”   

This three-hour program addresses the following topics:

Clinical Descriptions of Mental Disorders

Differences Between Criminal and Autistic Behavior

“Command Presence” vs. “Calming Approach”

Intervention Strategies and Legal Issues

Common Errors in Judgment

Who Should Attend:

Law Enforcement Personnel

Paramedics

Dispatchers

Social workers

School Counselors

Instructors:

Brooke Whitted - Northbrook-based attorney with more than 25 years of experience with disabled populations and legal service to child welfare agencies in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Dr. Anne Maxwell - Clinical psychologist providing assistance to parents and others who are involved with autistic behavior on a regular basis.

Program includes continental breakfast

NIPSTA Members receive a 33% discount.