My guest this week is Dennis Debbaudt, a trainer, presenter, and public speaker with over 25 years of experience in autism and law enforcement curriculum development and training for both children and adults. Dennis has created numerous trainings for law-enforcement departments and agencies throughout the country to support law enforcement officers in handling the highest risk scenarios and encounters they may have with people on the autism spectrum and related impairments. He works with police officers and first responders alike to recognize these symptoms in people they encounter in order to lower the likelihood of escalation.

In this episode, Dennis and I discuss how to prepare those with autism to safely interact with law enforcement in high-risk emergency situations. Dennis helps parents and caregivers understand how to evaluate their child or young adult's independence levels in order to craft a tailored safety plan. Children and young adults on the spectrum or those with communication, cognitive, or behavioral challenges may find themselves misunderstood by others and face uncomfortable accusations and interactions. By working with your child to prepare them for possible encounters in public settings and with law enforcement officials you empower them with tools to advocate for themselves based on their specific abilities.

Where to learn more about Dennis Debbaudt...

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Episode 79: Autism Spectrum Disorders and Interaction with Law Enforcement