City of Berwyn issued the following announcement on Oct. 21.
Recent studies indicate children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their caregivers have up to seven times more contact with emergency responders than typical children, and contact is not always appropriate for the child’s special needs.
Autism Spectrum Disorders are invisible disabilities, meaning no identifying physical characteristics to make the disability apparent may exist. The absence of visual clues increases likelihood that associated behaviors, such as hypersensitivity to sounds and lights, failure to speak or make eye contact, and high pain tolerance could be identified incorrectly as unlawful behaviors or behaviors stemming from drug abuse or mental illness.
Mayor Robert J. Lovero commissioned our first responders this morning and afternoon to receive safety and best practices when responding to calls for assistance or emergency calls , when engaging individuals with special needs.
Fire and life safety awareness education fosters relationships with parent coalitions, self-contained programs, and support groups for ASD. For more information or to request an autism awareness training at your school or organization, please contact Debra Vines at 708-296-5651. You can also obtain information this evening at the launch taking place at 6pm at Morton West Freshman Academy at 2400 Home Avenue.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Berwyn
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