Dennis Debbaudt's Autism Risk & Safety Newsletter

Autism Spectrum Quarterly Premier Issue.  August 2004!!!!  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.

The fall issue will be published in October. It will feature articles covering issues related to both children and adults with ASD. Fall authors include: Dr. Julie Donnelly, Linda Hodgdon, Dr. David Holmes, Susan Moreno, and Stephen Shore.

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



Collaborations

Working together is underrated. I've presented with Walter Coles in the past and am grateful to Diane Twachtman-Cullen and Liane Holliday Willey for giving us the chance to collaborate on the ASQ article. Walter and I'll co-present again in New Brunswick this coming November.

I've also had the fantastic experience of presenting with Stephen Shore in Massachusetts and having him sit in with me at the ASA conference last week. And the experience of co-presenting with U.S. Deputy Marshal Nick Proffitt was a thrill. Nick and I have worked on this issue for almost ten years
together, co-developed materials and stayed in regular contact but had never met in person until this past spring in Virginia. We're working on several new educational tools and I'll report on this in a future newsletter.

Now I'll have the chance to work with Lianne Holliday Willey in September in Grand Rapids. We've worked together on books, now we'll get to work together live. I'm really looking forward to this!

It's through these collaborations that we get instant feedback, criticism and different points of view. It sharpens the mind and without question vastly improves the work.

Thank you, my friends! Let's do this more often!
 

Pensacola Police Department's Take Me Home Database Debuts

The seeds were sown for this innovative special needs assistance program when Pensacola, Florida PD Officer Jimmy Donohoe attended a meeting last summer of the Panhandle Chapter of the Autism Society of America. Officer Donohoe heard first-hand the concerns that many parents there had about their wandering children who have autism. Officer Donohoe, also the parent of a special needs son, decided then and there to do something to assist. He approached Pensacola PD Chief John Mathis who gave the green light to spearhead the Take Me Home service.

The Pensacola PD worked in partnership with SmartCOP, a Pensacola-based law enforcement technology and software company, to develop Take Me Home.

The Take Me Home system is a database that is maintained at the Pensacola PD of persons who may need special assistance if they are alone. The system includes a current, digital picture, demographic information and caregiver contacts. If a person in the Take Me Home system is encountered by a Pensacola Police Officer, the officer can query the Take Me Home system by name or by the person's description to locate the person's Take Me home enrollment record. With the information at hand the officer can appropriately assist the person.

The Take Me Home system is designed for departments that utilize the SmartCOP onboard patrol vehicle computer technology. Over-the-air dispatching is minimized. Caregivers can be contacted by phone and provide key information directly to the first responder. Take Me Home is, of course, voluntary for those who participate.

The Pensacola Police Department was incepted in 1821 and continues to grow not only in personnel but also in technology, training and community outreach efforts. About Take Me Home, Chief Mathis recently said, "We are excited to share with you this new service designed to provide enhanced service and protection to our citizens. I strongly believe, and try to instill the same philosophy in others, that it is by working together that we can make Pensacola an even better place in which to live."

When it comes to the Take Me Home program, Chief Mathis and the Pensacola PD strive to make everywhere a better place to live. The Take Me Home system is available to ALL public service agencies free of charge!!!

For further information and public service agency inquiries about Take Me Home, contact Crime Prevention Officer Jimmy Donohoe at 850-436-5416 or email jdonohoe@ci.pensacola.fl.us

Kudos to Chief Mathis, Inspector Wendell Rich and Officer Jimmy Donohoe for creating Take Me Home. Write thanks to the Chief at:

Pensacola Police Department
711 North Haynes Street
Pensacola, FL 32501

Contact SmartCOP at: 270 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32502, phone 850-429-0082

News You Can Use

Our Friend Christina G. scours the World Wide Web daily for disability-related and newsworthy articles. Free of opinion, Christina's online news service is a daily must-read for me. It's as the name suggests:
News You Can Use!

I get it in the daily digest version.

Subscribe directly at NewsYouCanUse@yahoogroups.com or contact Christina
directly at:  christinag@mchsi.com

Thanks, Christina!



Police are Honored for Autism Efforts

Virginian-Pilot
Virginia Beach, Virginia
by Margaret Windley

In late January, Beach police officer Rachel McGraw and Mark Pantak spotted a man breaking antennas off of cars in the Lake Edward neighborhood. When the officers approached him, the man wasn't able to give his name or address.

"We asked him to speak and he could not talk to us," said McGraw. "But he was doing the hand motions that are a sign of Autism." The officers provided a pen, pencil and some paper to divert his attention and he wrote his first name. After trying to find someone who might know him at a local mental health organization, the officers checked the man's clothing and found his full name. After running a check, they were able to learn where he lived. The incident was resolved peacefully because the officers had learned appropriate ways to work with people with autism through Autism In Law Enforcement, developed by U.S. Deputy Marshal, Nick Proffitt.

Chief Jacocks received a plaque from Autism Society and two officers, Rachel McGraw and Mark Pantak, one of whom could not be present, were honored for using their training in handling Autistic Individuals in ceremonies on April 26 at the Law Enforcement Training Academy. Chief A.M. Jacocks Jr. received a plaque from JoAnna Bryant, president of the Tidewater Chapter of the Autism Society of America for his willingness to cooperate by providing proactive police programs that help autistic individuals and their families.



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@aol.com

Silent No More Communication Boards

The laminated board features 24 key communication situations. It utilizes picture icons and words and phrases in English and Spanish as a way for first responders to communicate with persons with autism and other cognitive conditions, as well as non English speakers.

Contact Susan for details:
Email srz@dol.net
Phone 610-274-2364

Autism & Law Enforcement Video Update

The new Autism & Law Enforcement Briefing Booklet is now available in PDF format! The purchase of every video comes with access to this companion informational and educational booklet that tracks the video and offers supplemental information.

It's available in PDF and comes in two formats:

1)  Prints out as a booklet

2)  Prints out as 8 1/2 x 11

Purchasers can email their choice to ddpi@flash.net and the file will be emailed to you!

The Autism & Law Enforcement video continues to receive fantastic feedback and we're happy to announce that selected excerpts can be viewed online at the Dan Marino Foundation ChildNett TV.

A big thanks to Doug Bartel at the Dan Marino Foundation! Here are two links:

NOTE: This is online TV and not perfect. The full length video itself was recorded and edited in broadcast quality and is shipped in VHS standard video cassette format.

Stills, information and ordering options at: http://www.risingbird.net/asr/email.html

Inquiries about: Special Edits & Production Runs, Excerpts or File Video Information, Bulk Purchase or Site License Inquiries, Pre Purchase or Review copies: Email ddpi@flash.net or call 772-398-9756. Brad may answer the phone. Tell him Hi! All calls will be returned!!



Book Orders Now Online

Signed copies of Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Dennis Debbaudt, 2002, Jessica Kingsley Publishers are now available online via PayPal at http://www.risingbird.net/asr/email.html

Rising Bird Productions

A huge thanks goes out to Teresa Soler, Brant Dutton and Tim Mueller of Rising Bird Productions of Eugene, Oregon!! They are the talented group who created the site for the video. We're working with them to launch the new Autism & Law Enforcement web site. work is progressing., We hope to launch soon.

Rising Bird Productions are top shelf Design, Publishing, Business Services and Photography Professionals Consider them for your on or off line needs. They're part of the autism community!!

Check out their web site at:  http://www.RisingBird.net/

Autism & Airport Travel Safety Tips

Here's a reprint of an article I wrote back in 2001. Since summer is travel time, I offer it here FYI.

Please visit the Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality at http://www.sath.org/

AUTISM & AIRPORT TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS
A guide for parents and carers
Autism & Airport Travel Safety Tips
November 23, 2001, Port St. Lucie, Florida
By Dennis Debbaudt

Traveling through airport security will never be the same. Every traveler passing through a security checkpoint will now encounter waiting in long lines, having to produce two forms of picture identification at multiple locations, mandatory questioning and inspections of personal belongings by strangers and the increasing likelihood of a light touch from a stranger holding a Geiger counter-like sound producing wand. When you add to the mix the possibility of a complete physical frisk or pat down - and the presence and scrutiny of armed, uniformed paramilitary personnel and contraband-sniffing dogs - the accompanying sensory-enhancing gauntlet of sounds lights and touch can tax the system of any traveler let alone one who has autism. This experience has quickly become standard operating procedure at U.S. airports.

People with autism, parents and caregivers may want to consider taking some extra measures to make passing through a security checkpoint easier. As daunting as a security checkpoint is for some children and adults with autism, we must consider the point-of-view of the security professional. The behavior or characteristics of the child or adult with autism may make the security professional extremely anxious. Consider the reliance on visual cues and innocent echolalia a person with autism may display, such as repeating a phrase observed on a close-by poster. At a security checkpoint that phrase might include words that cite the laws or warn against the use of the words "bomb threat" or "hijacking." Someone who repeats this phrase would quickly come under suspicion at a security checkpoint. Those that repeat a question, run from or blanche at passing through a metal detector, or become over-anxious at attempts to touch them would also merit extra scrutiny. Left unexplained, the behaviors and characteristics of some person's with autism may delay their trip and cause unnecessary anxiety. These encounters are the types of situations that can easily escalate into misinterpretations, verbal and physical confrontations, physical containment and restraint.

As reported in my latest book, Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals (www.jkp.com) : "Those with autism, parents and caregivers may want to consider carrying autism handout information which would at least include a basic autism brochure, and a person-specific handout that at least includes their picture, description, information about behaviors that security may find suspicious and the best way a security professional can communicate with or interact with that person. Many parents find business card handouts that might contain a message such as 'Perhaps my son/daughter's behavior is surprising to you. This is because he/she has autism', a brief definition of autism, and the phone number/website address of a local or national advocacy organization."

These are grass roots, one-on-one autism awareness campaigns. Make sure to carry enough generic information to leave behind with the security professionals you may encounter. Anyone reading this message can download the informational handout "Educating the Community...and Law Enforcement" at http://www.policeandautism.cjb.net/ make copies and hand them out.

If possible, make travel plans well in advance. Call the airlines and security companies (soon to be mainly federalized) and ask what you can do to help the security experience go more smoothly for the person with autism and the security professionals they will interact with. If the trip has to be made suddenly, arrive extra early, bring plenty of handouts and explain to the gate agent what your needs are. Those that have the time may want to inquire with their air carrier about assistance plans they may offer inexperienced travelers. Northwest Airlines, for example, offers the Adult Assistance Program for a fee ranging from $40.00 to $75.00. This may prove to be money well spent. The program offers personal assistance from check-in, through security and boarding and through the destination airport.

While the program does not assist with eating, personal hygiene or medication issues, it does provide assistance through the crucial security checkpoints. Parents and caregivers of a passenger using travel assist can also pass through security with their loved even if they are not traveling with them. Special security passes would be issued in lieu of tickets. A program like Northwest Airlines' Adult Assistance could be utilized by caregivers even if they are traveling with a loved one.

Anticipating the worst is never a pleasant proposition. But it's something we do all the time in our everyday lives when we put on seat belts, lock our back doors, pay the life insurance. The downside for not doing these things is extremely negative in each example. But do we shudder in fear every time we do these things? Of course not. They are common sense options associated with everyday life. Taking extra precautions is also an everyday consideration that those with autism that can, parents and caregivers also become accustomed to taking. When traveling through our communities, and airports, taking the precautions -alerting security, carrying ID and informational handouts, considering the needs of others, anticipating the possibilities -can help make our trips and travel a lot safer and a lot more relaxing. Give yourself at least two weeks to seek the best that our airlines and airport security can offer. But it's never too late to alert the airlines and security professionals to a special request for assistance. Contact author for reprint permission at: ddpi@flash.net

© Copyright 2001 by Dennis Debbaudt

Special thanks to Mike Flotteron of Northwest Airlines for his assistance in preparing this report. Most major airlines offer programs similar to the Adult Assistance Program. Check with your air carrier about special travelers services they offer.

Here are links to other autism risk & safety online articles:

Beyond Guilt or Innocence, Dennis Debbaudt, EK Shriver Juornal, 2004

Contact With Individuals With Autism by Dennis Debbaudt & Darla Rothman, Ph.D. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin April 2001 Edited for Sheriff Magazine Issue March-April 2002

Upcoming Conferences & Workshops

Wednesday September 15th Sunderland, United Kingdom Autism Spectrum & Criminal Justice Seminar, University of Sunderland. email ddpi@flash.net for details:

Friday through Sunday September 17th, 18th & 19th Herning, Denmark World Autism Organization General Assembly and Conference.  The conference will focus on conditions for people with autism who live in the third world.  Presented by Dennis Debbaudt Autism & Law Enforcement.  Session Date & Time (TBA) 

More information at: http://www.visitherning.com/UK/index.cfm?char_UserpageID=9AB2F5C4-A996-45C082F9F1D889C584C2&char_ParentID=5328B66C-5952-4B8A-9123CEFF149679AB

Tuesday and Wednesday September 28th and 29th Grand Rapids, Michigan: Adolescents and Young Adults With Asperger Syndrome: The Real World at the Eberhard Center, Grand Valley State University
On the River in Downtown Grand Rapids!
Featuring:

Dennis Debbaudt Session Wednesday 29th from 8:00 to 11:30 AM.  All details at http://www.unitingparadigms.com/pages/2/index.htm


Thursday September 30th, Green Bay, Wisconsin. Email ddpi@flash.net for details.

October and beyond: Orlando ( October 5th), New Hampshire October 7th & 8th), Lake Charles, Louisiana (October 18th), Chicago (October 28th) Bloomington, Illinois (November 3rd), St. John's, New Brunswick-with Walter Coles (November 18th), Minneapolis (December 3rd) and others to be announced (TBA).

Several Fall dates are still open.

More Dates Announced Soon!! Inquiries? Email: ddpi@flash.net or call 772-398-9756 (Brad may answer phone) for updates, new bookings or to schedule an event. Now booking 2005 and beyond......



Thanks!!

A big thanks to Pam Weiseman and Anne DeStefano of the Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, everyone at the Panhandle Chapter of the Autism Society of America, and Officer Jimmy Donohoe for welcoming me to Pensacola. Jimmy took me to an Irish pub there that featured 250,000 one dollar bills that were signed by customers and stapled to the ceiling. An experience I won't soon forget! Great food, too!

I was also honored to present at the 35th ASA Conference Soaring To New Heights in Seattle last week. A big thanks go the ASA board and the Autism Society of Washington for all their hard work. The convention center and Seattle were beautiful. Seeing so many old friends and meeting new ones was the highlight for me. We had a lot of fun at the Friday Risk & Safety
session.

I also want to thank Detective Specialist / Instructor Tony Favara of the New York Police Department's Emergency Service Unit (NYPD-ESU) for inviting me to attend and complete the 40 hour Emergency Psychology Technician Training Program Managing Situations Involving Mentally Disturbed Persons.