WORKING TO PREVENT WANDERING INCIDENTS AND DEATHS WITHIN THE AUTISM COMMUNITY

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FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS

If you work in law enforcement, chances are you will encounter a child or adult with autism, or be involved in searching for an individual who has wandered. An increase in autism cases (up from 1 in 10,000 in the 80’s to 1 in 110 today) is the likely reason for more wandering cases and deaths, and first responders play a critical role in preventing these deaths.

Deaths associated with wandering are attributed in large part to drowning. Individuals with autism are often attracted to water, yet have little to no sense of danger. Deaths in the past have also been caused by prolonged exposure.

There are four important tools that can be used to improve response time and prevent fatalities including: 1) Having readily available information about an individual who may wander; 2) Tracking Technology; 3) Alert Systems, such as AMBER and Silver Alerts; 4) Training on how to properly interact with a person who has autism.

INFORMATION ABOUT A PERSON WITH AUTISM WHO MAY WANDER:

Having detailed information on file about someone who is prone to wandering can be very effective in locating them quickly. If your agency does not have a program in place specific to autism wandering, consider distributing a First Responder Alert Form through your web site or grassroots initiatives. Alert Forms may also be found in multiple languages at http://autismriskmanagement.com.

Having caregivers fill out this information before their child with autism wanders could give your agency a head start in properly responding to an emergency situation.

TRACKING TECHNOLOGY FOR AGENCIES

There are various resources to help law enforcement agencies, including tracking technology such as Project Lifesaver and LoJack SafetyNet programs. The cost to implement these programs is extremely low compared to one search and rescue effort and have remarkable track records in recovering individuals quickly.

To learn more about these programs, please review the following links:
ProjectLifesaver.org
LoJackSafetyNet.com

ALERT SYSTEMS

Several years ago, Silver Alerts were established as a rapid-response communications tool to help locate missing seniors with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Many states have since adopted the Silver Alert program and often refer to it as the “AMBER Alerts for Seniors” with criteria that allows those 18 and older with a cognitive impairment to be covered. However, AMBER Alerts in most states are only designated for abducted children, 17 or younger.

Therefore, a person with autism who is 18+ may be covered under an alert system, but a person with autism who is under 18 may not.

Because there have been numerous cases where a child with autism was found by a member of the public, it’s important to review alert guidelines within your state and, if possible, issue an AMBER Alert (or the like) when possible. 

Many children with autism who appear old enough to walk alone are often at great risk, especially those that are nonverbal, cannot ask for help, or are unable to respond to their name when called.

If your agency receives a call about a missing person with autism, issuing a public alert can make an enormous difference in how quickly they are found. Some points to consider for your agency include:

  • Issuing an AMBER Alert for any minor with a known cognitive impairment like autism. These children are endangered and have little to no sense of danger.

  • Issuing a Silver Alert or the like for any adult with a known cognitive impairment like autism. These adults likely function cognitively as a minor, are endangered and have little to no sense of danger.

  • Do not impose any waiting periods on any child or adult with a known cognitive impairment or disability.

  • Enter the missing person into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Database.

To learn about Silver Alerts in your state, click here.

You can also enroll your agency in the A Child Is Missing program at no charge. This program will send an automated call to neighborhoods where a missing child was last seen.

Take Me Home is a free software program available to law enforcement agencies from the Pensacola Police Department. This software allows you to create a database with information on individuals who may be at risk of wandering, and to collect information that may be helpful in the event of a search. To request your free copy of Take Me Home, contact Officer Donahoe at http://www.pensacolapolice.com/details.asp?pid=5551.

TRAINING

Autism presents a unique set of needs. Law Enforcement training on how to interact with, and respond to, a person with autism is critical. Several organizations and individuals offer autism risk and safety management training for your agency. To review these options, please visit:

Autism Risk Management
The Autism & Law Enforcement Education Coalition
The Law Enforcement Awareness Network
Autism Alliance for Local Emergency Responder Training

To learn more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.