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New Program for Families with Children with Autism

Offered by the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office

June 23, 2016
The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce a new program to help families who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Autism:  
  • 1 in 68 children are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Boys are four times more likely to be affected by Autism
Wandering statistics:
  • Half the ASD population wanders (31% from school setting)
  • A recent study showed of those under age 9 that wandered, 41% of the time it was a fatal outcome
  • Of ASD wandering deaths, 91% are attributed to drowning, so SEARCH WATER FIRST
Also, persons with ASD, due to issues such as sensory dysfunction, processing difficulties and other communication challenges, often experience emotional meltdowns, during which they may be injured.

Due to the above, it is critical that families are proactive and register their loved one with local first responders, so that a rapid response can be achieved. Autism training has been a part of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy training for new officers since 2006, and it is also a mandatory training topic for officers already on the road in 2016-2017. The class is taught by a retired law enforcement officer who has a child with ASD. So it is important for families to know that officers have the knowledge to respond to these incidents, and will be much better able to ensure a safe outcome if they take the time to provide their local police department with some basic information that can be used in the event of an emergency.

An excellent resource for families with children who may wander can be found here.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office would like to "Help Us Help You." We have provided a downloadable form on the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office website that families of people affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder can fill out and return to us for entry into our records management system. This form contains information and a picture of a loved one that can help emergency responders access in a crisis situation so they may respond quickly and appropriately should the need arise.

The form can be accessed here. Further inquiries can be made by contact Martin Fournier, Director of Communications, at (207) 753-2573.

Also, contact the Autism Society of Maine for information on any type of support you need on this journey with a loved one affected by Autism, 1-800-273-5200.

If you do not live in Androscoggin County and want to fill out a Registration to Protect Persons with Developmental Disabilities for First Responders to give to your local emergency responders, please use the form that can be found on the Autism Society of Maine website.