Rep. Zawistowski and Suffield Residents Advocate for First Responder Training for Incidents with Juveniles with Autism

HARTFORD – State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61) and Suffield Residents Jill Caron and Amy Rucci testified in favor of HB 5156 ‘An Act Concerning First Responder Training for Incidents Involving Juveniles with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Nonverbal Learning Disorder’ before the General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee on Thursday, February 14^th.

The legislation would require first responders to receive additional training on techniques for handling incidents involving juveniles with autism spectrum disorder and nonverbal learning disorder as long as the curriculum is provided at no cost.  Police officers are already required to undergo such training and this bill would expand it to include fire and emergency medical personnel.

In her testimony Jill Caron shared her experiences with raising a child on the autism spectrum. Additionally, she discussed the efforts of the Suffield Foundation for Exceptional Children with regard to police and first responder training. The Foundation has provided grant funding to cover training costs to several organizations in the state and spearheaded an important autism safety program called Project Keep Me Safe.

Amy Rucci explained some of the challenges first responders can have when attempting to communicate with children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other Nonverbal Learning Disorders. Body language, uniforms, sirens and flashing lights can all impact communication when responding to an incident.

The bill proposal has received support from the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, one of the largest organizations providing care for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

For more information or to track the legislation visit the General Assembly’s website at www.cga.ct.gov. For more information about the Suffield Foundation for Exceptional Children visit their website at www.fecs06078.com.