Fwd: Dennis Debbaudt's Autism Risk & Safety Newsletter--Winter 2005 edition

[Guest guest]

Dennis Debbaudt's Autism Risk & Safety Newsletter

Winter 2005 Edition!

Please circulate far & wide!

I wish everybody a safe, prosperous and Happy New Year!!

Dennis

Here's what's up:

Table of contents:

Are You Prepared for an Autism Emergency? Esta Usted Listo para una Emergencia del Autismo? Autism Emergency Contact Handout Model (English & Spanish versions) Child Molesters: A Behavioral Analysis by V. Lanning Interviewing the Victim with Autism Upcoming United Kingdom & Denmark Events

First Ever U.S. Conference on Autism, Law Enforcement, Fire Rescue, Paramedics, 911, Hospital Emergency Room First Response & Criminal Justice Issues? Project Lifesaver Silent No More Communication Boards & LEAN ON US Autism Alert Window Gels Autism Spectrum Quarterly Autism & Law Enforcement Video Rising Bird Productions February Calendar Thanks!

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I had a great deal of interest in the article below from the last issue. I¹ve re-printed it again, a Spanish language version, and some related resources for this issue--Dennis

Are You Prepared for an Autism Emergency?

by Dennis Debbaudt © 2005

To ensure safety and lower risk for a child or adult with autism, parents and care providers will need to become proactive and prepare an informational handout.

A leading cause for for concern are children and adults who run away or wander from parents and care providers. Tragically, children and adults with autism are often attracted to water sources such as pools, ponds, and lakes. Drowning is a leading cause of death for a child or adult who has autism.

Wandering can occur anywhere at anytime. The first time is often the worst time.

Another concern is preparation in the event that you become incapacitated or injured while caring for a person with autism at home or in the community.

An informational handout should be developed, copied and carried with you at all times--at home, in your car, purse or wallet. Also circulate this handout to family members, trusted neighbors, friends and co-workers. The handout will also come in handy if you are in an area other than your neighborhood and are approached by the police.

If wandering is a concern, contact law enforcement, fire and ambulance agencies. Ask your local 911 call center to " red flag " this information in their 911 computer data base. Dispatchers can alert patrol officers about your concerns before they arrive. When we provide law enforcement with key information before an incident occurs, we can expect better responses.

Alert your neighbors

The behaviors and characteristics of autism have the potential to attract attention from the public. Law enforcement professionals suggest that you reach out and get to know your neighbors.

Decide what information to present to neighbors Plan a brief visit to your neighbors Introduce your child or adult or a photograph Give your neighbor a simple handout with your name, address, and phone number Ask them to call you immediately if they see your son or daughter outside the home

This approach may be a good way to avoid problems down the road and will let your neighbors:

Know the reason for unusual behaviors Know that you are approachable Have the opportunity to call you before they call 911

Knowing your neighbors can lead to better social interactions for your loved ones with autism.

Prevention

If wandering is an issue for your family, consider contacting a professional locksmith, security company or home improvement professional.

Autism Emergency Contact Handout Model

Name of child or adult Current photograph and physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color, any scars or other identifying marks Names, home, cell and pager phone numbers and addresses of parents, other caregivers and emergency contact persons Sensory, medical, or dietary issues and requirements, if any Inclination for elopement and any atypical behaviors or characteristics that may attract attention Favorite attractions and locations where person may be found Likes, dislikes--approach and de-escalation techniques Method of communication, if non-verbal ­ sign language, picture boards, written word ID wear ­ jewelry, tags on clothes, printed handout card Map and address guide to nearby properties with water sources and dangerous locations highlighted Blueprint or drawing of home, with bedrooms of individual highlighted

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Esta Usted Listo para una Emergencia del Autismo?

Dennis Debbaudt © 2005

Para disminuir el riesgo y afianzar la seguridad de un menor o adulto con autismo, padres y proveedores de cuidado tienen que volverse más activos y preparar un manual de información.

Una de las mayores causas de preocupación son niños y adultos que deambulan o se pierden de sus padres o de quienes velan por su cuidado. Trágicamente, niños y adultos con autismo son muchas veces atraídos por fuentes de agua, tales como piscinas, lagos y estanques. Ahogos son una de las mayores causas de muerte para un menor o adulto con autismo.

Niños y adultos pueden perderse a cualquier hora, en cualquier lugar. Usualmente, la primera vez que sucede es la peor.

Otra causa de preocupación es el estar preparado si usted llegara a sufrir una lesión o incapacidad mientras cuida a una persona con autismo en casa o en la comunidad.

Manuales de información deben ser preparados y estar a su alcance en todo momento ­ en su casa, en su carro, en su billetera o cartera. También, debe repartir este manual a familiares, vecinos en quien usted confía, amigos y compañeros de trabajo. El manual también será de gran uso si usted se encuentra lejos de su comunidad y un policía se le acerca.

Si un familiar suyo está en riesgo de huir o perderse, llame a la policía, ambulancia y/o bomberos. Pídale al centro de llamadas del 911 que coloque esta información en su base de datos. Operadoras pueden darle esta información a la policía antes de que ellos lleguen. Cuando brindamos información esencial a nuestros policías antes de que un accidente ocurra, podemos esperar mejores respuestas.

Alerte a sus vecinos

Los comportamientos y características del autismo tienen la capacidad de atraer la atención del público. La policía recomienda que usted salga y conozca sus vecinos.

Decida qué información desea compartir con sus vecinos. Planee visitas breves a sus vecinos. Presente a su hijo o adulto, o a una fotografía. Entréguele a sus vecinos un pequeño manual con sus datos personales. Pídales que lo llamen inmediatamente si ven a su hijo(a) fuera de su casa.

De esta manera, usted podrá prevenir problemas en un futuro y le permitirá a sus vecinos:

Saber la razón por la cual ven comportamientos inusuales. Saber que usted es accesible. Tener la oportunidad de llamarlo a usted antes de que llamen al 911.

Conocer a sus vecinos puede conllevar a mejores relaciones sociales para sus seres queridos con autismo.

Prevención

Si a usted le preocupa que su ser querido deambule o se pierda, considere llamar a un cerrajero profesional o a una compañía de seguridad.

Modelo de Contactos de Emergencia:

Nombre del niño o adulto con autismo. Fotografía reciente y descripción física incluyendo altura, peso, color de ojos y cabello, y cicatrices o cualquier otra característica que lo pueda identificar. Nombres, teléfonos de casa, celular y buscapersonas, y dirección de los padres, otros proveedores de cuidado y personas que pueden ser llamadas en casos de emergencia. Asuntos y requerimientos relacionados con dieta, sensaciones y medicamentos. Inclinación por huir y cualquier tipo de comportamiento inusual que pueda atraer atención. Lugares y atracciones favoritas donde la persona se podría encontrar. Gustos y disgustos. Estrategias para acercamiento y autocontrol. Métodos de comunicación, si no son verbales, lenguaje por se_as, tableros con fotos y palabras escritas. Joyas con identificación personal, etiquetas en la ropa, manual de información. Mapas y direcciones a lugares cerca que tengan fuentes de agua; lugares peligrosos resaltados. Dibujo o mapa de su casa, resaltando el cuarto de la persona.

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The articles above recommend reaching out to and alerting neighbors about a child or adult. Over the years, parents have expressed concerns about doing this. The fear, not unfounded, is stranger abductions or abuse. While these incidents can and do occur, physical and sexual abuse is oftentimes perpetrated by persons well known to the victim families.

Below is a link to information that parents can become familiar with in the area of victim selection and modes of operation of child abusers. Risks are dealt with best when we know about them.

I interviewed Ken Lanning for my 1994 booklet, Avoiding Unfortunate Situations. His advice and information is key for any parent to know.

Dennis

Child Molesters: A Behavioral Analysis http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/ResourceServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US & PageId=469  

Authored by V. Lanning and produced in cooperation with the FBI, the fourth edition of this book is an investigative tool for law-enforcement officers and child-protection professionals handling cases of children who are sexually exploited. It provides investigative strategies, the characteristics of a pedophile, and the difficulties often encountered in cases of sexual exploitation. It introduces a typology that places sex offenders on a continuum, from preferential to situational. 160 pp.

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Interviewing the Victim with Autism

Rape suspect to change plea: Man charged with attack on autistic woman

By Bradley / News Staff Writer MetroWest Daily News--Boston area

Thursday, January 20, 2005

MARLBOROUGH --

        .....The victim was able to identify Cantu because she remembered he had a distinct tattoo of a teardrop under his eye. Although police extensively investigated the incident and showed the victim dozens of photos of men known to hang around with Cantu, she was never able to identify the other alleged attackers, police said.

     The victim suffers from autism, attention deficit disorder and Asperger's Syndrome.

     Police said they were able to quickly locate Cantu after the alleged assault because the woman remembered Cantu's teardrop tattoo. Police knew the tattoo and Cantu because earlier in 2002, Cantu was arrested on aggravated rape and attempted murder charges, according to Marlborough District Court records.

     Cantu was never convicted on those charges because the alleged victim in that case refused to testify, according to court records.....

The above story serves to illustrate how a person with autism can assist law investigators. Below is a shortened version of a recent article that details how a victim with autism was able to identify her abuser. A link to the entire text is included. Links can expire. http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=88088

For those interested, a disability abuse conference is scheduled for March 14-16, 2005, in beautiful Riverside California! www.disability-abuse.com

A great training tool for interviewers is Admissible In Court: Interviewing Victim Witnesses with Disabilities! Developed by an Alberta, Canada team of law enforcement and disability professionals, this video and curriculum an essential tool for investigators who interview victims with disabilities. You will not only discover some keys to make a case and find fair justice for the victim with disabilities--you will improve your overall interviewing techniques and abilities.

Email team member Walter Coles for ordering information: wcoles@...

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Upcoming United Kingdom & Denmark Events

Criminal Justice Issues and Autistic Spectrum Disorder

a u t i s m € w e s t m i d l a n d s & BILD www.bild.org.uk

March 3rd

Kenilworth, UK

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is no respector of class,race, gender or mental ability and problems with relationships mean problems in all areas of life. This includes the difficulties of understanding the consequences of actions that many people with ASD experience which can either lead to offending behavior or to becoming victims and acquiring a reputation of being seen as odd and lonely.

There is a chronic lack of awareness and understanding about the nature of ASD. This results in a failure to provide adequate diagnosis, support and rehabilitation for those individuals who find themselves within the criminal justice system. It also indicates the lack of preventative work that could be done with better awareness.

The conference in March will not only hear from some key people in the field, but also launch awareness cards and leaflets and all participants will be able to take copies of the leaflets away with them for further distribution.

This conference is aimed at anyone involved in the criminal justice system who has or may come in contact with children and adults with ASD. This could include staff in prisons, the police service, the probation service, youth offending teams, teachers, connexions, criminal prosecution service, magistrates, solicitors, security firms, and family carers.

Contact: Sabina Yasmin SabinaY@...

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Aint¹ Misbehavin¹

BIBIC - British Institute for Brain Injured Children,

Knowle Hall, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 8PJ.

Tel: 01278 684060 Fax: 01278 685573 Email: info@ bibic. org. uk

Website: www. bibic. org. uk Registered Charity No: 1057635 Supported and sponsored by BACTA

17 February 2005

London

Invitation Only

Much has been said about anti-social behavior, its causes and preventions.

This conference will explore the perception of challenging behavior linked with children and young people with learning difficulties such as ADHD, Asperger syndrome, autism etc.

This is your opportunity to influence the strategy of a new campaign to raise awareness of the difficulties that children with challenging behaviours have and present.

From this conference you will have a far rounder view as to the obstacle preventing success for children with these problems and those working with them. We will explore solutions that have worked and share knowledge of failure ­ and learn.

At the end of the conference we hope to have presented some interesting challenges and shared innovative strategies to help children and young people with challenging behavior resulting from conditions such as ADHD, autism and Asperger syndrome achieve more.

Note: This is the kickoff of a year long Aint¹ Misbehavin¹ campaign from BIBIC. I hope to participate in a future event--Dennis

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1st International Symposium on

Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Forensic Context

2nd and 3rd of September 2005, Copenhagen, Denmark

Information? Visit: http://www.autisme.dk/forensic/

It is with great pleasure we invite all researchers and professionals to participate at The 1st International Symposium on Autism Spectrum Disorders in a Forensic Context.

The symposium will be made up of plenary lectures, parallel lectures, paper presentations, poster sessions and book stands.

The Symposium will be held at Moltke¹s Palace. With its lovely premises and central location in the City of Copenhagen Moltke's Palace is the ideal place for an International event. Moltkes Palace was built back in the year 1702, and through generations it has been the beautiful setting of countless festive occasions, meetings, jubilees and weddings.

Organizers:

Ministry of Justice, Clinic of Forensic Psychiatry by Gottlieb

The Danish Information and Ressource Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders by Charlotte Holmer nsen

We look forward to seeing you in Copenhagen, September 2005!

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First Ever U.S. Conference on Autism, Law Enforcement, Fire Rescue, Paramedics, 911, Hospital Emergency Room First Response & Criminal Justice Issues?

I've been approached by autism community members to gauge interest in organizing a conference/seminar dedicated solely to those who conduct or are interested developing and honing their skills surrounding autism training for law enforcement and other first responders.

A conference to report on and share what we know about these critical, but under-served issues?

A two-day conference was suggested for early 2006? Perhaps in a warm weather climate?

Speakers could include:

Law enforcement Trainers

Criminal Justice Professionals

Fire Rescue

911

Hospital Emergency Specialists

What do you think?

Would you be interested?

Would you attend?

Send your feedback to ddpi@...

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Project Lifesaver

Here's something to put on your new 2005 calendar: Project Lifesaver will be featured on the CBS television show " Without a Trace " , tentatively scheduled for February 3, 2005. Check web site for schedule:

Without A Trace

Thursdays 10 PM ET/PT

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/without_a_trace/

Show your support for Project Lifesaver--purchase a magnetic ribbon for your vehicle that says " Project Lifesaver " - " Bringing Loved Ones Home " .

Cost = $4.00 each. Get yours now!

http://www.projectlifesaver.org/

Wishing Chief Saunders and all involved with Project Lifesaver continued success in 2005 and beyond!

I¹ll be presenting an Autism & Law Enforcement training session with my friend and colleague U.S. Deputy Marshall Nick Proffitt at the Project Lifesaver conference in Brainbridge, Massachusetts this

May 23rd through 25th.

Please Plan to Attend!

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Silent No More Communication Boards & LEAN ON US

Mother of autistic boy comes to the aid of police

January 23, 2005

By Weidener

Philadelphia Inquirer

One morning, Rzucidlo got a phone call that her son, Ben, had been eating doughnuts and watching videos in a neighbor's house.

" The neighbor came downstairs and found him there. They had no idea who this kid was in their family room. "

That was three years ago, but Ben, 13, who has been diagnosed with autism, still runs away.

" Ben has dedicated his life to escaping from our home, his school, and even moving vehicles " is the way Rzucidlo once described the consequences of her son's illness. Rzucidlo's advocacy for those with autism is gaining national attention.

Full text at: http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/pennsylvania/counties/bucks_county/cities_and_neighborhoods/10715760.htm

To Learn More:

For more information about autism or to order the communication boards, go to the Silent No More Web site at http://www.dol.net/~srz. The boards come in kits that cost between $5 and $15.

From LEAN On Us:

³These are the communication boards that we recently supplied at one of our LEAN ON Us training.  They are great, inexpensive, and can be used for in many different situations.  We've personally utilized them while on patrol for everything from elderly drivers to shaken up to speak after accidents, individuals with developmental disabilities, and persons who may not be able to speak.

has been diligent in getting these utilized and now has three different types.  One of our projects in Michigan is to have every first responder outfitted with these.  At a little over fifty cents per card, it doesn't make sense not to.  If anyone in Michigan knows of an agency that would be willing to assist financially in this endeavor, please have them contact us.² 

and Carolyn Gammicchia                                                       

LEAN On Us                                              

www.leanonus.org

LEAN On Us is now a registered 501 c.3 non-profit. Check out their web site--and consider making a donation! They are doing fantastic work!!

Dennis

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Autism Alert Window Gels

These gels alert first responders to the presence in a vehicle of an individual with autism. They can be used on whatever vehicle you are using, traveling in a rental car, for instance. The multi-use, easy on-easy off function offers great insurance! A superb autism awareness & safety tool!

Available through Didi Zaryczny. Email Didi at dzaryczny947@...

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Autism Spectrum Quarterly

Autism Spectrum Quarterly

(Formerly the Jenison Autism Journal / The Morning News, edited by Carol Gray)

Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief; Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D., Senior Editor

Autism Spectrum Quarterly brings you the quality that you expect from a professional journal, with the readability and practicality of a high-quality magazine - and much more.

ASQ features a 21-member international advisory board including many of the most well-respected individuals in the ASD community such as: Tony Attwood, Simon Baron-Cohen, Lord, Minshew, and Lorna Wing,

For more information and to register online log onto www.ASQuarterly.com http://www.asquarterly.com/ Email your questions to ASQmagazine@....

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Autism & Law Enforcement Video Update

The Autism & Law Enforcement video continues to receive fantastic feedback. Parent advocates are using it to introduce the autism community to their local law enforcement agencies. It¹s also in use by law enforcement training units, educators and autism advocacy groups around the country. We¹re thrilled!!

Here¹s some recent feedback:

The Autism Spectrum Quarterly, Summer 2004:

" In just 21 minutes, Dennis Debbaudt's video encapsulates the really important things that folks outside the autism community need to know about people on the autistic spectrum who find themselves in emergency situations. Most importantly, viewers will learn what good police intervention and support look like. "

From Law Enforcement Trainers:

" I showed your video and another to a class of law enforcement trainers. They unanimously chose the Autism & Law Enforcement Roll Call Briefing Video "

" The video is the highlight of my class. Police love it wherever I go. Great job! "

From a Field Officer:

" It's one of the best training videos I've ever seen. I learned a lot in twenty minutes. "

From an Autism Advocate:

" I've seen EVERY autism/law enforcement video out here. This is the best one HANDS DOWN. "

Information and ordering options at: http://www.autismriskmangement.com/

Inquiries?Email ddpi@... or call 772-398-9756. Brad may answer the phone. Tell him Hi!

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Rising Bird Productions

Soler & Brant Dutton of Rising Bird Productions of Eugene, Oregon wish the Autism Community all the best during the New Year!! They are the talented duo who created the site for the video.

Rising Bird Productions are top notch Design, Publishing, Business Services and Photography Professionals.

and Brant are part of the autism community!! Consider using them for your web, ad or graphic design needs. And tell Œem Dennis sent you!!

Check out their web site at:

http://www.RisingBird.net/

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Dennis Debbaudt Calendar for February 2005:

Atlanta February 5th

Autism Society of America - Greater Georgia Chapter

³A New Kind of Autism/Asperger Syndrome Conference²

February 4-5, 2005 Gwinnett Convention Center

6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Georgia

Dennis Debbaudt on Autism & Law Enforcement

Saturday February 5th

Details?

http://www.asaga.com/Events_2005Conference.html

This conference will also feature The National Association of Residential Providers for Adults with Autism workshop on Saturday for parents and professionals. Twenty one of the leading agencies from across the U.S. specializing in autism specific residential services support expansion of services for adults with autism will be at our conference. NARPAA was organized and chaired by Dr. Ruth Christ Sullivan. She is also a co-founder of the National Autism Society of America. The purpose of the new organization is to assure the availability of residential services and other supports for adults with autism throughout their lives. Member agencies: Judevine Center for Autism, Autism Service Center, Eden Family Services, and many more.

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Wilmington, Ohio February 7th

First Response Workshops for Recognition and Response to People with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Presented by Dennis Debbaudt

Sponsored by Wilmington Autism Parent Group and Hopewell Special Education Regional Resource Center

9AM-noon (designed for but not limited to law enforcement)

1-4 PM (designed for but not limited to medical first responders)

5-8 PM (designed for but not limited to parents, educators--dinner provided)

Contact: Sherry Campton at (937) 393-1904 (X126) and indicate your preferred session or email sherry.campton@...

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Columbus, OH   ~  February 17-18, 2005

Autism Strategies for

Home, School & Community

Columbus, OH Speakers:    

February 17          Carol Stock Kranowitz

February 18           Wheeler PM   Dennis Debbaudt AM    

Details? Visit http://www.spectrumtrainingsystems.com/ and click on Columbus!!

Email or call:

Spectrum Training Systems, Inc.

(920) 749-0332

Fax: (920) 882-0736

spectrumtrainingsystems@...

Spectrum Training Systems is dedicated to offering the best autism conferences, seminars and workshops for the autism spectrum community.

Learn more about this outstanding group and their upcoming events by visiting: http://www.spectrumtrainingsystems.com/

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Santa Clara, California

February 25th

Sponsored by the Center and Autism Society

8 am to Noon Training Session for Law Enforcement

7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Parents and Care Providers

email ddpi@... for details

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On the Horizon:

St Lucie County, Florida: School Resource Officer Training

Portland & Pendleton, Oregon

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

National Symposium on Autism, Missouri

Long Island, New York

Chicago, Illinois

Project Lifesaver Conference, Massachusetts

Email ddpi@... for details

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Now Booking Dennis Debbaudt Conference and Training Sessions 2005 and beyond!

Inquiries? Email: ddpi@... or call 772-398-9756 (Brad may answer

phone) for updates, new bookings or to schedule an event. Background at http://www.autismriskmangement.com/

Autism & Law Enforcement Resources

Book

Autism, Advocates & Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Dennis Debbaudt, Kingsley Publishers 2001 ISBN # 1-85302-980-7

Online Articles

Contact With Individuals With Autism by Debbaudt & Rothman, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin April 2001

Edited for Sheriff Magazine Issue March-April 2002

http://articles.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2194/is_4_70/ai_75959751

Beyond Guilt or Innocence

EK Shriver Center LEND Journal, 2004

http://www.mnip-net.org/ddlead.nsf/TrimTOC/BeyondGuiltorInnocen

Video

Autism & Law Enforcement Roll Call Briefing Video

Debbaudt/Legacy Productions, 2004

http://www.risingbird.net/asr/email.html

Excerpts/clips from the video can be seen at the Dan Marino Foundation web site. Please note that this is online TV and not perfect. The video itself is top quality VHS and full length of 21 minutes. Link to clips: http://sar.c.topica.com/maachkfaa65rEa7mHtqb/

For further information, conference and workshop bookings:

Dennis Debbaudt, 2338 SE Holland Street, Port St. Lucie FL 34952

Phone 772/398-9756 (son with autism may answer phone)

Email ddpi@...

http://www.autismriskmanagement.com/

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THANKS!!

I'm dedicated to seeing autism issues represented professionally to law enforcement, first response, criminal justice, and emergency response professionals everywhere. We've come a long way on this since the early 90's--yet there's still a long way to go. With your help, we'll get there. 2005 will be the best year yet!!

Again and always, I want to thank my wife Gay and son Brad for allowing me to get out here and do this work.

Enjoy the last of the winter days. Spring is coming soon!

The newsletter will be back soon.

I'm always seeking feedback, advice and information. Please send it my way!

This newsletter is sent out occasionally. To subscribe or be removed,

send an email to ddpi@...

Please circulate far and wide!