Police officers in Cranston, Unites States, have taken up classroom instruction sessions on how to recognize potential signs of autism with people they encounter on the job.
The growing interest of law enforcement authorities on how to approach and interact with people who have autism has paved way for the two-hour class, for 149 officers conducted by Officer Jason Head of the Newport Police Department.
Quiz on Autism
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder is a complex genetic disorder that impairs social, behavioral, and communication functions in humans. Autistic people may act, communicate, interact, and learn differently than most other people. ASD usually begins in childhood and can last for the rest of a person's life, though symptoms may improve over time . This quiz on ' Autism
Advertisement
"We want to try to help our officers understand their needs, and not escalate a situation by mis-recognizing the subject's disability as an act of aggression," said Lt. Mark Freeborn.
Among the things to recognize: if a person fails to respond to an officer's commands, stands too close to the officer, or begins shouting. By training officers on better communication and recognition, "we will be able to prevent behavioral escalation and resolve a situation easily," said Col. Michael Winquist.
![Autism Symptoms Different With Girls & Boys, Girls Display Signs Much Later Than Boys]( "Autism Symptoms Different With Girls & Boys, Girls Display Signs Much Later Than Boys")
Developmental disorders symptoms, which impair basic skills in girls, were diagnosed at the age of 4 among girls compared to 3.8 years in boys.
"It can look like the person's on drugs or they're intoxicated. People with autism can also be more sensitive to something you may say or do — or even something you're wearing. Even the smell of perfume or cologne can set them off," said Head.
The officers are learning the benefits of increasing communication in these situations as misinterpreting the signs of autism can put officers and civilians in danger. Speaking softly and avoiding a show of aggression are among the key responses.
Cranston officers will also be getting training on other behavioral health conditions, such as schizophrenia and psychosis later this year.
Source: Medindia
Autism Symptoms Different With Girls & Boys, Girls Display Signs Much Later Than Boys
Developmental disorders symptoms, which impair basic skills in girls, were diagnosed at the age of 4 among girls compared to 3.8 years in boys.
Advertisement
"It can look like the person's on drugs or they're intoxicated. People with autism can also be more sensitive to something you may say or do — or even something you're wearing. Even the smell of perfume or cologne can set them off," said Head.
The officers are learning the benefits of increasing communication in these situations as misinterpreting the signs of autism can put officers and civilians in danger. Speaking softly and avoiding a show of aggression are among the key responses.
Cranston officers will also be getting training on other behavioral health conditions, such as schizophrenia and psychosis later this year.
Source: Medindia
Expert Tips to Parents for Children With Autism - Q&A With Child Specialist
On the eve of World Autism Day Dr. Anjana Thadhani, Consulting Developmental Pediatrician says parents and home based program are backbone of treatment for children with autism.
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest General Health News
Swine influenza A viruses, including subtypes H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2, are prominent among pigs and sporadically transmit to humans.
The microorganism "is a newly identified potential disease-causing agent, possibly originating from or evolving within the dog's microbiome."
Flavanol naturally present in red wine can compromise the proper metabolism of alcohol and lead to a headache.
To reduce bacterial risks, pet owners can switch to a non-raw diet or obtain quality raw meat for cooking before feeding dogs.
Since 2010, the gender gap in life expectancy in the US has increased to six years because of the pandemic, accidents, opioid overdoses, injuries, and suicide.