Winthrop, Maine 1-800-273-5200

Resources - Autism Safety

Is your police department prepared to deal with your child with Autism in an emergency? The Autism Society of Maine has set a goal of ensuring our police departments and other emergency responders understand and are best equipped with the knowledge of how to recognize Autism and safely appropriately interact wth Autisic individuals during an encounter. We work towards this goal by training police, fire and search and rescue departments across the State about Autism and why it is crucial that this knowledge is available to the people who can save lives. This training was developed by Matt Brown, retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer.

Do you have a family member or loved one who has contact with the criminal justice system? We can provide some guidance in these situations. Please call ASM: 1-800-273-5200 or email: infospec@asmonline.org.

If you feel that your local police or fire department would benefit from training about Autism, we encourage you to contact the Autism Society of Maine at 1-800-273-5200 and we can arrange a training, it is free and approved by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
First Responders and Criminal Justice Professionals brochure

Many people with Autism have specific sensitivities to lights, sounds, or touch. Some may avoid eye contact. Some are non-verbal. We encourage the parents of children with Autism to contact their local police departments and share this information with them.

The following links are for parent's and/or police officers to better understand the interaction that may occur between Law Enforcement and Autism.

  • SILVER ALERT: Silver Alerts are issued when a confused adult or with dementia or developmental disabilies is missing. CALL 9-1-1.
  • Crisis Support Resources Statewide resources for immediate assistance, or resources for a loved one.
  • Registration to Protect Persons with Developmental Disabilities for First Responders (form) The Autism Society of Maine, with assistance from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (Warden Service), has created a form to register the address of persons with Autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities (including Alzheimer's or Dementia). It is designed to have information immediately available to public safety personnel responding to the person wandering away from home or other facility. After filling out the form, provide it to your local law enforcement, fire, and/or rescue agency to have on file.
  • Fire Safety for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders - A fire safety fact-sheet to help prepare you and your loved one in the event of a fire.
  • Recommendations for parents/care-givers Dealings with Police - Recommendations for the parent or care-giver of an individual with ASD when dealing with the police.
  • Questions for Dispatchers to ask on a Call regarding Autism - For dispatchers when receiving a call that involves Autism. This provides better information to first responders in situations involving an ASD individual.
  • Autism Informational Pamphlet for Prosecutors - Information for prosecuting attorneys when dealing with matters which involves a victim/offender/witness with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  • AWAARE Collaboration - Autism and wandering safety resources including tracking technology and saftey materials. Resources for parents, caregivers, first responders, educators, physicians and therapists.
  • If any families that have dealt with their child running away, or having issues regarding law enforcement, please call the Autism Society of Maine: 1-800-273-5200.
  • Project Life Saver - The mission of the Project Lifesaver Program is to use the state of art technology to find persons with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Dementia or any other cognitive condition that may cause them to wander and become lost. Follow link to find a program in Maine. Brunswick Police Department Project Lifesaver brochure