Autism Safety

Is your police department prepared to deal with your child with Autism in an emergency? The Autism Society of Maine has set a goal of ensuring our police departments and other emergency responders understand and are best equipped with the knowledge of how to recognize Autism and safely appropriately interact wth Autisic individuals during an encounter. We work towards this goal by training police, fire and search and rescue departments across the State about Autism and why it is crucial that this knowledge is available to the people who can save lives. This training was developed by Matt Brown, retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer.

Do you have a family member or loved one who has contact with the criminal justice system? We can provide some guidance in these situations. Please call ASM: 1-800-273-5200 or email: infospec@asmonline.org.

Autism and Online Safety

The Autism and Online Safety video series teaches safety protocols to mitigate internet dangers. Our goal is to provide information on Internet safety so that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Autism, may use the internet without fear of being harmed emotionally, physically, financially, or criminally. The full-length video featured here is also available to view in six separate modules on the Autism Society of Maine’s YouTube Channel. These videos are for anyone that wishes to learn and may benefit from this information, please share with others and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

This video series was developed as part of a collaborative partnership between Spectrum Generations and the Autism Society of Maine, and with the generous assistance of the Maine Department of Public Safety and Maine State Police through a 2023/2024 Innovations Pilot Grant.

This video series, Autism & Online Safety, is intended as a guide for adults with Autism in conjunction with their care partners to enjoy safe, healthy experiences while using the internet. In this 6-part series, individuals can learn and hear experiences from those living with Autism and experts in the field of Autism about the challenges faced when using the internet to connect, socialize, date, and shop. This important and sometimes difficult content is designed to highlight the dangers for adults with Autism to avoid while online, and includes:

If you feel that your local police or fire department would benefit from training about Autism, we encourage you to contact the Autism Society of Maine at 1-800-273-5200 and we can arrange a training, it is free and approved by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
First Responders and Criminal Justice Professionals brochure

Many people with Autism have specific sensitivities to lights, sounds, or touch. Some may avoid eye contact. Some are non-verbal. We encourage the parents of children with Autism to contact their local police departments and share this information with them.

The following links are for parent’s and/or police officers to better understand the interaction that may occur between Law Enforcement and Autism.

SILVER ALERT: Silver Alerts are issued when a confused adult or with dementia or developmental disabilies is missing. CALL 9-1-1.
Crisis Support Resources Statewide resources for immediate assistance, or resources for a loved one.
Registration to Protect Persons with Developmental Disabilities for First Responders (form) The Autism Society of Maine, with assistance from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (Warden Service), has created a form to register the address of persons with Autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities (including Alzheimer’s or Dementia). It is designed to have information immediately available to public safety personnel responding to the person wandering away from home or other facility. After filling out the form, provide it to your local law enforcement, fire, and/or rescue agency to have on file.
Fire Safety for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders – A fire safety fact-sheet to help prepare you and your loved one in the event of a fire.
Recommendations for parents/care-givers Dealings with Police – Recommendations for the parent or care-giver of an individual with ASD when dealing with the police.
Questions for Dispatchers to ask on a Call regarding Autism – For dispatchers when receiving a call that involves Autism. This provides better information to first responders in situations involving an ASD individual.
Autism Informational Pamphlet for Prosecutors – Information for prosecuting attorneys when dealing with matters which involves a victim/offender/witness with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AWAARE Collaboration – Autism and wandering safety resources including tracking technology and saftey materials. Resources for parents, caregivers, first responders, educators, physicians and therapists.
If any families that have dealt with their child running away, or having issues regarding law enforcement, please call the Autism Society of Maine: 1-800-273-5200.
Project Life Saver – The mission of the Project Lifesaver Program is to use the state of art technology to find persons with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Dementia or any other cognitive condition that may cause them to wander and become lost. Follow link to find a program in Maine. Brunswick Police Department Project Lifesaver brochure