Autism recognition and risk management

North Bay Police Service
News Release

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The North Bay Chapter of Autism Ontario (and other community groups), have partnered with the North Bay Police Service to conduct a special training awareness program to help officers and other ‘first responders’ interact with children and adults with autism.

On October 5, 2009, Dennis Debbaudt, an internationally recognized expert speaker, will give two informative and entertaining training sessions in North Bay. The afternoon session will be for Police and other ‘first responders’ while the evening session is intended for parents and other caregivers of people with Autism. Dennis is a licensed investigator, author and expert speaker, and has provided training sessions throughout North America to a host of law enforcement organizations. He is also the father of a son (Brad) with autism.

The rate of autism has grown over ten-fold since the late 1990’s, from 1 in 2,500 to 1 in every 166 births nationwide. According to Autism Ontario the rate in North Bay is as high as 1 in every 150 births. Individuals with autism are seven times more likely than other people to come into contact with police and their responses to encounters with authority may not always be appropriate. Typical manifestations of autism spectrum disorders, such as running away, unsteadiness, impulsive behavior or failure to respond, may be misunderstood by law enforcement professionals, with serious consequences.

For parents, educators or caregivers of those with autism, advice will be offered on how to avoid or deal with problems arising from their encounters with professionals in positions of authority. This training session is designed help officers and other first responders make these interactions safer, less stressful, and more informed.

Books and video presentations will also be made available for those unable to attend.

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