Richmond County first responders learn how to handle encounters with residents on the autism spectrum

ROCKINGHAM — More than two dozen first responders from across Richmond County received training in handling encounters with those on the autism spectrum on Tuesday.

The training session, led by Amy Perry and Crystal Harrell of the Autism Society of North Carolina, was held at the downtown Rockingham campus of Richmond County College, with law enforcement officers and firefighters participating.

According to Perry, first responder training came about following the 2004 death of Sydney Templeton in Statesville.

Autism is a developmental that has become more prevalent in the past two decades, Perry said, with an estimated one in 36 children being diagnosed. 

“You cannot just look at someone and say, ‘A-ha, they’ve got autism,’” Perry said. “It’s different from person to person and it doesn’t carry physical features.”

Those with autism, she added, are five times more likely to come into contact with first responders.

Perry went on to explain that those with autism often display differences in communication, social interactions, behavior and sensory responses and thinking and offered the following approach strategies:

• If caregiver is present, follow their lead; check to see if others know individual 
• One or two people approach slowly, one person talk in a calm voice 
• Give person extra time to respond to questions or requests; re-phrase; model directives
• Avoid verbal overload – be concise, use short phrases and clear directions; avoid nicknames and idioms
• Make it easier for the person to respond by NOT requesting eye contact
• Use open ended rather than yes or no questions 
• Use written communication or pictures 
• If person is overwhelmed, tired or under stress give “chill” time if possible 
• Repetitive behavior may be calming; don’t stop unless danger to self or others. Sensory overload takes precedence over following directives or safety 
• Calm the environment by turning off patrol car lights, dispersing crowds, and speak calmly
• Avoid touching suddenly 
• If possible, back off and give space if person shows signs of increased anxiety and escalation
• Reassure the person that you are there to help 
• Use geographic containment 
• Be aware that they may suddenly react; restrain only if danger to self or others 

Detective Jan Owens with the Rockingham Police Department, who serves the crisis intervention coordinator for the county, asked what officers are supposed to do when they’re called to a home by parents when their child is having a “meltdown.”

“We’re put in a deficit right off the bat,” Owens said. “What are we supposed to do? Because, I don’t want to hurt him, I don’t want to restrain him, I don’t want to interfere with his meltdown because he needs to get it out.” 

Perry suggested to get the child in a peaceful environment as quickly as possible, “especially if parents are still trying to yell or get control.” She added that giving everyone “a little space to breathe” may help. 

“Everybody’s situation’s going to be different,” Perry said.

Both Perry and Harrell have children who are on the autism spectrum, as does Meghann Lambeth.

Lambeth, the county’s tourism director, said the inspiration for bringing the training to Richmond County was the growing concern for her own son, Jack, who is now 17.

“If someone were to tell him ‘Stay back’ or ‘Put your hands up,’ he’ll do it momentarily, he might put his hands up for a few seconds but then … his mind goes somewhere else and they’re going to go down,” she said. “So in a high-pressure situation that happens very quickly … that’s all the more reason I need to do as much as I can do to make people aware … people can respond quickly and it might not be the right decision.”

Another training session is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. June 12, with several spaces still available.

First responders planning to attend should fill out a Google form here.

For more information, contact Lambeth at visitrichmondcountync@gmail.com.