Medical Strategies and Tips for First Responders Interacting with Autism Spectrum Disorder Patients

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The discussion highlights important considerations for interacting with individuals on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Key points include the tendency of ASD individuals to be drawn to water, making locations like pools and lakes critical areas to search when someone goes missing. Additionally, the concept of "stimming" is emphasized, which refers to self-stimulatory behaviors such as arm flapping, spinning, or rocking that individuals with ASD use to manage stress and sensory overload. These behaviors can be misinterpreted by law enforcement and others as signs of distress or substance use, leading to misunderstandings. The conversation underscores the need for better awareness and understanding of ASD behaviors to facilitate safer interactions and support for affected individuals.
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This is a helpful article about things to consider when dealing with folks who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) issues:

https://www.firehouse.com/safety-he...for-individuals-with-autism-spectrum-disorder

I found a couple items especially interesting and helpful -- first that ASD individuals are generally attracted to water (like pools and lakes), so when looking for a missing ASD person, consider checking those locations first. And second, that they often use "stimming" to deal with stressful situations and triggers, and stimming can often be misinterpreted...

When stress is heightened, individuals with ASD tend to flap their arms, spin or rock to deescalate themselves. These movements of self-stimulation are called stimming. Stimming is a response technique to regulate emotions and decrease sensory overload. Stimming looks different for everyone but can be mistaken for spastic movements that are associated with other conditions or for being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
 
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The main problem I see is the interaction of law enforcement, rescue, or even common persons like coworkers, with these ASD affected individuals, not knowing or understanding the peculiarity of their behavior.

That is more critical as the person’s brain caracteristics tend to be more toward the “normal” side of the spectrum.

That is very confusing situation for everybody involved in it, expecting “normal” actions and responses that are simply not available.
 
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