October 2017

Safety, Autism and Related Disorders...
What Can We Do?
We have experienced the recent occurrence of unprecedented emergency events involving hurricanes, earthquakes and global tensions in our world. As children grow older and times change, unexpected situations may arise placing those with special needs at an increased safety risk. We must consider additional prevention and responsive strategies to keep these individuals safe.

In this issue we focus on safety information for both parents and first responders and have compiled resources to help increase preparedness in the event of an emergency. To be prepared and ready, police, firefighters, EMTs, and other personnel who have a high chance of coming into contact with an individual with special needs require the proper training and tools.

We hope you will find these resources helpful and will take the time to pass them on to a first responder, teacher, day care provider, agency administrators, and others who care for those with special needs.
Safety Resources for Families
The Organization for Autism Research has published a guide to help parents prevent safety threats and teach safe habits that will build a foundation for safety into adulthood.


In light of the recent emergency situations experienced by families in the south, find tips here on preparing for a hurricane when you have a child with autism or related disorder.


We also located information on safety and first responders from a local resource (thank you Scott Campbell for sharing this information with us!)


Dennis Debbaudt is a published author and advocate for individuals with autism. See these important tools for parents and law enforcement officers by exploring his website.


Resources for First Responders
Specific to first responders, we identified resources on how best to engage with an individual with autism in an emergency.



  • Additional training videos for law enforcement and emergency responders here.
Behavioral Directions in the Community
Come see us at the Walk for Autism-Virginia this Saturday at Prince William Fairgrounds.

Stop by our exhibit table to enjoy a few treats, learn more about our services and support autism. The weather is supposed to be wonderful. Hope to see you there! Click here for more details.


Maryland Association for Behavior Analysis Conference- December 14-15

Dr. Jane Barbin (our director) is an invited workshop presenter with Stacey McIntyre (Ivymount School) at the next Maryland Association for Behavior Analysis conference in Baltimore, MD. Her seminar will offer 3 Ethics CEU credits ! Professionals register here to attend.

We are a proud sponsor of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment! ( www.ASATonline.org )
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