Autism & Emergency Preparedness: Tips and Information for Emergency Shelter Staff and Trainers

Emergency preparedness in the 21st century is very diverse service. You will meet people and families from all walks of life. People with autism are part of that diversity. Autism is America’s fastest growing developmental disability. Children and adults with autism are now living, going to school, working, and enjoying recreational opportunities everywhere in our communities. During and after an emergency, natural or manmade disaster, you may meet children and adults with autism and their families. The information below will provide tips and options on how to safely and effectively interact with individuals with autism, their family members and care providers. Definition: Autism is a neurologically-based developmental disability that seriously affects a person’s ability to communicate, socialize, and make judgments. Autism also affects the person’s sensory responses to even normal levels of lights, sounds, touches, odors, and tastes. It is typically observed by age three, and is more common in males than females. It is not caused by the way parents raise their children. Despite ongoing research, there is no known cause or cure, although people with autism can make remarkable gains. Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder. It affects each person differently and ranges from mild to severe. Other terms for autism may include: Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism or Pervasive Developmenta