The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin’s Safe & Sound Program is designed to foster safer interactions between first responders and the Autism community.  We are dedicated to collaborating with our local emergency response agencies to provide training with the goal of improving our local community’s interactions with law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics.

Why this training matters…

One in five young adults with Autism will interact with a police officer before age 21.

Unfortunately, these interactions can lead to negative outcomes due to a mismatch between common de-escalation techniques and Autistic neurology. Safe and Sound on the Spectrum aims to bridge this gap by providing essential training to law enforcement officers with the goal of facilitating safe and respectful interactions for all.

What you will learn:

Autism-Informed De-Escalation

  • Techniques and strategies for managing situations involving individuals with Autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Common characteristics of Autism, including communication differences and sensory considerations.
  • Information to prevent unsafe assumptions and promote positive interactions.

Outcomes

  • Improved understanding of Autism and its impact on behavior.
  • Enhanced communication skills for effective de-escalation.
  • Strategies for promoting safety and positive outcomes in interactions.

Did you know people with Autism are:

  • 7x more likely to be victims of crime
  • 12x more likely to become involved in the justice system without criminal intent
  • 5x more likely to be incarcerated

Join us in creating a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone in the Autism community. Enroll in Safe and Sound on the Spectrum and make a difference in your community by ensuring safety and inclusivity for individuals with Autism.