By Vincent J. Vitiello, L.S.W.
Autism is a disorder of the brain that results in a variety of developmental problems in young children. It is usually characterized by impairments in social interaction, impairments in nonverbal as well as verbal communication and imaginative activity, and a noticeably restricted display of activities and interests as well as a pattern of repetitive behavior. The signs of autism usually appear before age three, and the disorder affects four times as many boys than girls. The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community estimates autism affects 1 in every 500 people.
As a result of the severe social, communicative, and behavioral problems associated with autism, firefighters and emergency medical technicians should be aware of the following when encountering an autistic child or adult.
Behavior of the Autistic Person
- May be unaware of danger as well as incapable of realizing a danger.
- Reactions and responses to events may vary and be unpredictable.
- Up to forty percent of the autistic population may have seizure disorders.
- May exhibit a high tolerance for pain.
- 5.技能发展可能不平衡，这是不合适的行为所证明的。
- Atypical reactions to sensory input. May fixate on lights, sounds, and objects such as flashing lights, sirens, and glimmering objects.
- 可能被水吸引。
- 无法进行口头交流，因此，可能会出现论证，固执或好战并且对常规变化有抵抗力。但是，有50％的自闭症人口是非语言的，可以利用手语，图画板或其他通信设备进行交流。
- May run away if left unattended.
- 看起来像社会遥远，好像其他人是对象。
- Marked physical overactivity, may rock front to back and side to side.
- 可能从事侵略性或自欺欺人的行为。
- Repetition of the same word(s) or phrase(s).
- 缺乏眼神交流，可能是听众差，好像聋哑人。
急救人员的考虑
- Speak calmly, allow time for a response to questions or directions, repeat the request or words, talk in short and direct phrases, and make one request at a time.
- 使用平静的肢体语言，避免突然动作或动作。
- 不要拥挤，允许尽可能多的空间。
- Avoid waving arms or using a lot of hand gestures.
- 除非需要检查，否则请勿轻拍肩膀或触摸。
- 除非他们可能对自己或他人有害，否则不要试图停止重复动议。
- 不要留下无人看管的或无人看管的。
- Be alert to sudden attempts to re-enter a dwelling or occupancy./ol>
其他考虑因素
- 1.应将自闭症患者居住的住所告知当地消防局，以便将其包括在预备，特殊需求/警报清单等中。
- Family members/caregivers should be encouraged to consult with their local fire department to determine a fire emergency action plan suitable to their particular needs.
- The installation of additional smoke detectors in specific bedroom(s) and other rooms as well as on every floor level to enhance early detection capability.
- Upon exiting a residence in an emergency, a particular family member/caregiver should stay with the autistic person. The autistic person should never be left unattended.
Thanks to Dennis Debbaudt, author of “Avoiding Unfortunate Situations” (1994) and a 25-year veteran of law enforcement, for his contribution to the information presented here.
Vincent J. Vitiello是Maplewood（NJ）消防局的队长/执行官。他是一名获得国家认证的消防官员，也是2级消防教练。He has one bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from William Paterson University and another in fire safety administration from Jersey City State University, He is a licensed social worker with one master’s degree in public administration from Kean University and another in social work from Fordham University.
