In a letter to the Governor, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is calling for an initiative in the state budget that creates a statewide training program for law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders and establishes a uniform policy and best practices for interactions and emergency situations involving individuals with autism spectrum and related disorders. In the letter, Assemblyman Santabarbara said, “Thinking about my 16 year old son Michael who lives with autism and struggles with communication, watching this police body cam video brought me to tears. It shows how a routine encounter with a 14 year old with autism in Arizona quickly escalated. It’s a real-life example of the significant need to give officers and first responders the tools and the knowledge they need to appropriately respond to emergency situations involving those with autism spectrum and related disorders….With your support, we can put everyone on the same page and avoid situations like this from happening here in New York.”

Individuals with autism often struggle with communicating, making eye contact, responding to questions, even if it’s asking for their name, especially during certain stressful situations. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it can affect people in a great variety of ways, each person with different symptoms and challenges. A person’s diagnosis could include trouble following directions and an aversion to physical contact or shared space. Those challenges often become greater for teens as they become adults. Parents and first responders agree that safety is a big concern for those living with ASD.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 68 children are born with autism each year in the United States and more than 3.5 million Americans are living with an autism spectrum disorder. The prevalence is even higher in boys where 1 in 47 has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As more children, teens, and adults are impacted by ASD, police and other first responders could see more interactions in the future.

Santabarbara, who is chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Autism Spectrum Disorder, has been a vocal advocate for New Yorkers with disabilities. He authored a package of bills in the State Assembly called Autism Action NY designed to support people with autism. Autism Training for First Responders is part of Santabarbara’s Autism Action NY initiative in the State Assembly. Those supporting this initiative include The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino, Schenectady Police Chief Eric Clifford and Schenectady Fire Chief Ray Senecal.

“It is essential that our first responders have the proper training when emergency situations arise involving those in our community with an Autism Spectrum Disorder,” said Janine Kruiswijk, Executive Director of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region. “On behalf of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Assemblyman Santabarbara for continuing to advocate for all New Yorkers and their families living with autism.”

“Whether it’s helping a family find a missing child or responding to an adult with autism whose behavior may be misunderstood, recognizing the signs of autism, knowing how to act, and knowing how to react is important,” said Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino. “This training can help our deputies understand certain cues that can be perceived to be a threat when they are not.”

“This training for law enforcement that will help first responders to recognize ASD is very important,” said Schenectady Police Chief Eric Clifford. “This bill, and the support of our elected officials, helps with bringing attention to areas that need specialized training so that officers are prepared to provide a level of service to the public that they not only expect, but also deserve. We are very appreciative of Assemblyman Santabarbara’s continued compassion for the wellbeing of individuals with autism and his efforts to bring this valuable resource to those serving in law enforcement.”

“In emergency situations of all types, helping a firefighter or a paramedic know how to interact when a child with autism is injured can truly make a big difference,” said Schenectady Fire Chief Ray Senecal.