This week’s podcast will be a two parter!  Recently I was with the paramedic students at Arkansas State University and they requested a podcast on the EMS response to autism.  In response to their request, I’ve changed the format just a bit from that of a monologue to an interview.  My guests are Dustin Young, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Tillamook Family Counseling Corporation and Nick Watts, Community Paramedic with Tillamook County EMS.  In this weeks presentation the student will

1. Learn what autism is
2. How the autistic patient may present
3. Learn what some of the telling rituals that the autistic patient may do.

Some resources that you might find helpful in learning more about autism include:

Auggies Hope-The idea of Auggie’s Hope is to advocate for Autism. A lot has changed in the past few years but their core belief of advocating for special needs has not. They have grown and continue to focus our mission training first responders on how to help a special needs family in crisis.

Autism Speaks-For people with autism, learning to interact with first responders is critical. On the other hand, it is just as essential for first responders to understand autism and be prepared to respond effectively and safely to situations that arise involving individuals on the spectrum.

Autism Society-Tips for First Responders-Great information for interactions between EMS and patients with autism.