Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara joined local law enforcement and first responders at the Schenectady Fire Department on Friday afternoon to unveil the details of new legislation in the State Assembly called ‘Autism for First Responders’.

The bill creates a statewide training program for law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders to establish a uniform policy and best practices for interactions and emergency situations involving individuals with autism spectrum and related disorders.

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 for First Responders is part of Santabarbara’s Autism Action NY initiative this year in the State Assembly.

“As the father of a teenage son with autism, I know firsthand how hard it is for him to communicate, especially in a stressful situation,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “Parents that have a child with autism all want the best for them, which includes providing as much independence as possible,” Santabarbara added. “They worry every time that child steps out of their home that they may be in an emergency situation at school or may have an encounter with law enforcement an adult. That’s the reality for many families of children living with autism,” Santabarbara said. “My legislation puts everyone on the same page by creating a standardized training that gives first responders the information they need.”

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 have more interactions.

Individuals with autism often struggle to communicate, 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. The Autism for First Responders bill can teach police officers and first responders to better recognize the signs of autism and react accordingly to minimize their own risk and to those with autism.

Those joining Santabarbara for Friday’s announcement included 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 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. The training Assemblyman Santabarbara’s bill can give officers and first responders the tools and the knowledge they need so they’re able to appropriately respond to emergencies situations involving those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.