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- Become anxious or withdrawn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