Firefighter training must encompass strategies for interacting with individuals with autism. This article offers detailed approaches for emergency responders to ensure safety and understanding when encountering individuals with ASD. Firehouse magazine saw the importance of this topic and published it online in August. It will be in the print version of the magazine in October's issue.
Panel discussion on special education law, focusing on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) and the IEP process. Learn about teacher requirements, parental rights, support tips, and advocacy.
Dr. Jenelle Abnett spoke at the Maryland State Firemen's Association Conference.
Ocean City, Maryland June 17th, 2024
Neurodiversity and Safe Encounters for first responders: A look into neurodiversity and autism in order to create safer, more inclusive encounters. Did you know that individuals with autism are 3x more likely to die from injury? Neurodiverse children with heighten sensory sensitivity are more likely to run back into or hide during a fire due to sensory overload. Water related deaths are 160x more likely for children with autism. Through proper training on neurodiversity we can help lower these statistics and create a safer community
for all. https://convention.msfa.org/event/neurodiversity-the-first-responder/
What a great day participating in the Eagles Autism Challenge. Our team raised over $7,500 for EAF. The energy that comes from so many people coming together to raise awareness and action for those that are neurodiverse is amazing. Philadelphia amazed me with the turn out and the $8.1 million dollars raised.
"One positive that has stemmed from the Covid pandemic is the awareness of mental health concerns in the U.S. All demographics are affected this increase of mental health needs. Social media has created a rise in anxiety and depression disorders for teens. Veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers are communities of people that are increasingly seeking counseling support. This discussion looked at creating dialogue about mental health, removing the sigma of counseling, and giving people the tools to find the supports they may need."
- Dr. Abnett
Jenelle Abnett hosted the first PA State Police . Neurodiversity and Autism Networking and Resource Fair. 40+ vendors and 10 speakers rounded out a training and networking event for first responders and families with neurodiverse individuals. Dr. Abnett conducted a 1-hour overview training session on safer police encounters with neurodivergent individuals.
NDATS staffed a resource table at a reentry simulation activity for parole officers, correction officers, and law enforcement. This training simulated the difficulties of reentry into society for ex-inmates. Understanding the difficulties and ways to support all ex-inmates is vital to keep them from being return offenders. Through the simulation, these officers gain empathy for the difficulties the re-entrant faces.
A national study found that 4.4% of inmates are identified as ASD, which is more than double the general population. This subgroup of inmate population need a different set of supports to reenter into the general population.
We must provide opportunities to discuss and understand their differences, and find strategies to use when serving this population.
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