tammy anderson "kids & adults with autism" ndpa symposium 2012
TRANSCRIPT
Safer Water, Response, Kids and Adults with Autism
By Tammy Anderson, Henry Tirado, San Diego Sheriff’s Dept. Ralph Carrasquillo, Captain San Diego Fire-Rescue Dept.
Here are a few reasons why
Ryan Barrett
Drowned
in a lake
August 2009
Age 14
Colum Canning
Drowned
in a hotel pool
December 2008
Aaron Steele
Drowned
in a pond
October 2006
Age 5
Noah Burke
Drowned
in a creek
March 2008
Age 4
We Need to Start Now
Thomas Pinkum
Drowned
in a pond
March 2008
Age 7
Kaitlin Bacile
Drowned
in a canal
September 2008
Age 5
Ashley Brock
Drowned
in a neighbor’s pool
May 2008
Age 6
Jared McGuire
Drowned
in a pond
February 2006
Age 7
To Prevent
Benjamin Heil
Drowned
in a pond
June 2007
Age 7
And the list continues
to grow…
Bernard Latimore
Drowned
in a pool
September 2010
Age 10
The Leading Cause
Mason Medlam
Drowned
in a pond
July 2010
Age 5
Aiden Bell
Drowned
in a creek
April 2010
Age 3
Christian Dejons
Drowned
in a lake
April 2010
Age 6
Luke Selwyn
Drowned
at a neighbor’s
March 2010
Age 6
Of Death
Adlai Kugblenu
Drowned
in a pond
June 2010
Age 8
Kaliya Sullivan
Drowned
in a neighbor’s pool
June 2010
Age 7
Zachary Clark
Drowned
in a pond
August 2010
Age 5
Savannah Hauser
Drowned
in a pond
September 2010
Age 3
For Those
Anyah Glossinger
Drowned
in a pool
January 2010
Age 5
Skyler James Wayne
Drowned
in a river
October 2010
Age 8
Nathan T. Kinderdine
Drowned
in a pool
August 2010
Age 7
Aiden Lawson
Drowned
in a pond
February 2011
With Autism
Jackson Kastner
Drowned
in a river
2011
Age 4
Adam Benhamama
Drowned
in a river
April 2011
Age 2
Savannah Martin
Drowned
in a pond
February 2011
Age 7
Blake Murrell
Drowned
in a pond
April 2011
Age 4
Newspaper Headlines
“Kaden Seagraves drowned in a pond”
“Autistic boy, Carlos Muniz drowns”
“7 year old autistic boy found in the Salmon River”
“Texas: Autistic teen Lance Benson drowns in backyard pool”
“5 year old autistic girl drowned in her bathtub”
“5 year old autistic boy drowns in canal”
“Tyji Chester found floating lifeless in city swimming pool”
“Korey Penwall drowned in retention pool”
“Autistic boy, Lucas Beaupre drowned”
“11 year old with autism critical after near drowning”
“Jayson Allen 8, fell in canal and drowned”
“Drowning in Surprise, 4 year old autistic boy drowns in backyard pool”
“Jaden Fournier, 3 years old drowned in his backyard”
“Alexander Covington drowns after sneaking from house”
Just in 2011
“Monroe township: autistic boy died from accidental drowning”
“4 year old autistic boy drowns in Davie lake after wandering from home”
“Three year old boy who disappeared found dead from drowning”
“Arizona: 5 year old drowns in golf course pond”
“Colorado: 3 year old drowns in golf course lake”
We Need To START NOW!
Stress the importance of water safety to families with children with autism.
Teach swimming and implement autism- specific aquatic programs.
Alert the parents to install alarms that notify the family if a child has left the house.
Remind those with pools that they should maintain barriers around their pool even if they don’t have small children.
Train parents in C.P.R and basic lifesaving skills.
Neighbors should be notified by families with a child with autism to the fact that their child may wander.
Offer assistance and get involved with a local autism organization to spread the word.
Work with first responders to identify bodies of water that should be checked first in a missing persons incident.
To Save Lives
Take Me Home
Henry J. Tirado Crime Prevention Specialist
"Take Me Home" Program Administrator
Autism and Aquatic Emergencies
Ralph Carrasquillo, Captain
Types of Aquatic Emergencies
Drowning
Seizures
Lost or wandering person
Heat exhaustion
Slips and falls
Head injuries
Cuts and abrasions
Giving First aid to a person with autism, remember to…
Maintain a safe distance, they may suddenly invade your personal space
Use a calm, soft voice
Speak in direct phrases such as… “Sit down,” “Stay here,” or “Stop and wait”
Avoid slang language or idioms
Allow for a delayed response to your questions or commands
Consider the use of pictures, written phrases and sign language
Look for medical alert jewelry, tags, and tattoos, which may be labeled in their clothing
Remain alert to the possibility of outbursts or impulsive acts
If possible, have sirens and lights turned off
Model calm body language such as slow breathing and keeping hands low
Model the behavior you want the person to display
Minimize crowds and try to have only one caregiver at a time
Be mindful of triggering the flight or fight response