A guide to interacting with individuals who may have autism spectrum disorder during emergency calls

A guide to interacting with individuals who may have autism spectrum disorder during emergency calls

A person who interacts differently during an emergency call may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

A person with ASD may:

• Not be able to understand danger or identify a true emergency
• Be unfamiliar with common safety rules and expectations
• Have trouble handling disorderly disruptive situations
• Have difficulty understanding questions or instructions
• Get confused by figures of speech
• Be easily distracted or upset by noises or other sensory input
• Not be able to respond quickly or accurately
• Repeat words or phrases and/or speak out of context (may seem as rude)
• Become anxious or withdrawn
• Be more interested in physical environment rather than people
• Not understand the consequences of actions
• Act unexpectedly or compulsively
• Not understand or acknowledge pain

During a 911 call, if you suspect that a person may have ASD:

• Use short, simple sentences
• Ask straightforward questions to help identify the real danger(s)
• Clarify the person’s understanding each time an instruction is given
• Don’t speak too forcefully or loudly
• Avoid using slang, sarcasm, or complex language
• Try to keep the conversation on topic
• Pause in between statements to allow for processing (allow sufficient time for responses)
• Respect the person at all times, no matter how he or she may respond

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