ESC REGION 12 TO OFFER AUTISM RISK AND SAFETY TRAINING FOR TEACHERS, COMMUNITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 will offer Autism Risk and Safety Management Training sessions May 17 from 5-8 p.m. for educators and community members, and May 18 from 8 a.m.- Noon for law enforcement. Sessions are free and will be held at ESC Region 12, 2101 W. Loop 340 in Waco.

In these sessions, participants will learn how to develop safety programs in homes, schools, communities and recreational settings to better protect individuals with autism. Presenter Dennis Debbaudt will teach strategies to prevent, alert and respond to issues of autism-related risk and safety management.

“Autism characteristics and behaviors present unique challenges for safety and risk management professionals. It is critical that our community and first responders are prepared to assist individuals with autism,” Angela Cowan, ESC Region 12 Education Specialist stated.

More than 1.5 million people are affected with autism, making it the third most common developmental disability in the United States. Autism is a broad spectrum neurological disorder that presents itself in a variety of symptoms and affects every individual differently. Many individuals with autism have difficulty appropriately communicating with, or relating to, others.

Individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities are seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement professionals than a member of the general population. Wandering is a leading cause for concern for individuals with autism. Children and adults with autism often wander away from care and into danger.

Debbaudt’s autism-specific training will help law enforcement professionals save time and resources should they face this challenge.

“We’ve been waiting a long time for this training,” Cowan said. “The training is important for all communities in order to ensure the safety of individuals with autism.”

Debbaudt is a private investigator, law enforcement trainer and a nationally recognized author and presenter. He has co-authored more than 30 articles and books, and his work has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek and People. Debbaudt has also worked with ABC 20/20 on autism and false confessions.

This event is sponsored by ESC Region 12 and the Heart of Texas Autism Network. Participants may register at www.esc12.net with session number 36280 for educators and community members and session number 36321 for law enforcement professionals.

For more information contact Angela Cowan at 254.297.1186 or acowan@esc12.net.

About ESC Region 12
One of 20 regional education service centers statewide, the Education Service Center Region 12 (ESC Region 12) is dedicated to serving school districts, charter schools and area private/parochial schools in improving student performance. ESC Region 12 partners with school districts to deliver services and solutions to educators so they may help all children be successful. Based in Waco, with satellite offices in Corsicana, Hamilton, Nolanville, and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Mills, and Navarro counties.

About Heart of Texas Autism Network
The Heart of Texas Autism Network provides support, encouragement and information for persons affected by the autism spectrum of disorders and their caregivers and families.