IF YOU WERE TO RUN INTO A PERSON WITH AUTISM ON "THE JOB" WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO????
The rate of occurrence of autism has increased in the past ten years from 2 to 6 in ten thousand persons, to 2-6 in one thousand persons. Persons with autism and other developmental disabilities are estimated to have up to seven times more contacts with law enforcement agencies during their lifetimes (Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services News In Print, Winter, 1993). You can expect to have an increasing number of interactions with them. Interacting with a child or adult who has an autism spectrum disorder will challenge your experience and training. People with autism are as different from each other as we all are. Persons with autism will present the behaviors and characteristics described at this website and elsewhere in different combinations and degrees. Each person will have a different level of independence as well. Some persons with autism will have a caregiver with them at all times. Others will live semi or fully independent lives. You will hear terms such a...