Crisis Services
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
Information for Law Enforcement and Other First Responders
Overview
This document contains a description of autism, ways that individuals with autism may behave, and considerations for first responders when interacting with people with autism.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty picking up social cues (social referencing) and understanding other individual’s thoughts and intentions, making them vulnerable to a range of crimes, from fraud and theft to more violent crimes. Individuals with ASD are also generally taught compliance from a very young age, making them easy targets for abuse and victimization. When assisting a crime victim who is on the autism spectrum, first responders should take specific actions to communicate with and support the individual.
This resource created by Autism Society