The intervention of first responders during emergencies, especially the police, is more common among people with autism because they are called first hand when any troubling situation arises involving them. The sad thing is, many are not keen in handling such kind of situation due to lack of knowledge about the condition, which led to the maltreatment of seven out of ten adults with autism.
The University of Bath and City University, London disclosed that 69 percent were unhappy with the treatment of police officers based on the study conducted. Discrimination was the number one complaint while 74 percent of parents who have children with autism criticized how the police are handling such circumstances, The Guardian reported.
In the U.S., STARS for Autism, a local group spoke after a 13-year-old girl with special needs was kidnapped in Springfield. The group expressed its concern that since children with autism are more prone to emergency interference compared to their peers, it will help first responders to have the right training in dealing with adults and children with autism.
STARS, a training group, also explains there may be a communication barrier between an individual with autism and the police, paramedics or other emergency crew members. This is why they urge these first responders to be trained in handling autism in their work area, according to Today's KTTS.
In Springfield, policemen are not trained to identify and deal with people with autism. This is why STARS is pushing for the training after the 13-year-old girl with the condition was kidnapped. Their job will be much easier if they know more and they can also avoid hurting people with autism and their families. A challenging ordeal won't also escalate if they know what they're doing.
Meanwhile, the girl with autism who was kidnapped is now safe after a man in the wheelchair abducted and kept her in his home. Brenda Bradshaw of STARS for Autism says the girl may feel sympathetic to the man being in the wheelchair and police officers could have traced her faster if they have the slightest idea how fragile the child is. Police in various states are now going out of their way to help children with autism.
Do you agree that the authorities should be trained in dealing with people with autism? Share your thoughts below.
