Review - The Autism Speaks Autism Safety Project

If you're searching for a directory of some of the best information available on autism safety issues, the Autism Speaks Autism Safety Project website is a terrific resource. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a site that actually offers meaningful information on how to manage and support people with autism in stressful situations, the site is only so-so.

Autism Speaks is the world's largest non-profit dedicated to autism-related issues and research. Over the past few years, they've created several online guides on topics ranging from early signs of autism to local autism directories. The Autism Speaks Autism Safety Project is another such online guide.

Typically, the word "safety" refers to issues like "how to teach your child to cross the street, avoid predators, and stay away from matches." For purposes of this guide, however, the term has a different meaning: "The Autism Safety Project provides First Responders with information and guidelines for communicating with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in emergency situations."

In fact, the Guide does provide one-sheet guides for different types of first responders, including fire fighters, emergency medical professionals, police, and law enforcement. The one-sheeters, however, are quite vague, telling police, for example, "Interacting with a child or adult who has an autism spectrum disorder will challenge your experience and training." While this may be true, it isn't especially helpful in preparing police for such an interaction.

Far better than the one-sheet guides are two other resources available on the site. The first is a profession-by-profession collection of links to really first-rate resources. The second is a set of customizable sheets for parents to prepare in advance of problems. These individualized sheets can quickly and easily inform first-responders of specific needs, issues and concerns and provide direction on how to handle special challenges.