Fau Card Awarded Continuing Research Grant to Train First Responders
by Torica Exume, Ph.D | Monday, Aug 19, 2024
For the third consecutive year, the Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FAU CARD) has been awarded a one-year research grant from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC). For the 2024-2025 period, the grant amounts to $174,140, bringing the total funding for this three-year project to over $470,000. The project focuses on creating and delivering training sessions for law enforcement officers and first responders, including emergency medical personnel and firefighters, equipping them with a broad range of techniques to effectively and empathetically engage with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). These efforts aim to foster trust and improve the quality of interactions. Additionally, the project will establish an advisory committee and review state legislative regulations and policies regarding the training of law enforcement and emergency personnel on I/DD and co-occurring mental health conditions.
The probability of a first responder encountering an individual on the autism spectrum is on the rise. Police officers handle diverse emergencies daily, each with unique circumstances and involving individuals with distinct traits. While well-trained for most cases, their approach may not suit those with ASD and I/DD, leading to potential tragic outcomes like injury or loss of life. Whether the emergency pertains to a medical issue or a behavioral crisis, having a thorough understanding of ASD/IDD and potential behaviors associated with them is essential for achieving a positive outcome in any situation.
Individuals diagnosed with ASD/IDD may experience heightened emotional reactions during volatile and stressful circumstances. For someone with ASD/IDD, comprehending emergencies can be challenging. Furthermore, individuals with ASD/IDD may not readily respond to verbal instructions, might react with a startled response to physical touch, may flee when approached, or could exhibit self-injurious or aggressive behavior.
FAU CARD’s statewide training program will include a detailed step-by-step curriculum with multiple training topics (with explanations, videos, modeling, role-playing, discussions, feedback, and pre-and post-testing) for law enforcement officers and emergency medical specialists to not only identify ASD/IDD individuals but now select from a wide range of techniques to use to effectively and empathetically respond to individuals with ASD/IDD to foster trust and increase positive interactions. However, there are numerous reports on training for law enforcement personnel, but fewer focus on the training needs of mobile crisis units, hospital emergency department staff, 911 operators, and fire/EMT units—critical players in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with I/DD during mental health crises. These essential components have now been integrated into FAU CARD’s train-the-trainer curriculum.
Training creators Jack Scott, Ph.D., FAU CARD Executive Director, and Torica Exume, Ph.D., Clinical Researcher, are now enrolling law enforcement officers and first responders in a newly enhanced train-the-trainer curriculum. These sessions are designed to equip responders with the essential skills needed to effectively and safely engage with individuals who have ASD/IDD. All materials are provided, and Exume will schedule pilot training sessions through March 2024. To participate in a pilot training, email Exume at texume@fau.edu and, to join the growing advisory team, contact Scott at jscott@fau.edu.