In an effort to increase the safety of people living with autism, Autism Speaks said Friday has teaming up with the the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to help educate first responders about autism.
"A person with autism may have communication challenges, may not be able to say their phone number or even ask for help, and they may be drawn to dangerous areas like bodies of water or areas of traffic or construction, exposure to the elements," Autism Speaks Autism Response Team Director Lindsay Naeder said. "That, coupled with not fully understanding danger and not being able to communicate, can really put a person with autism at risk."
The first training sessions for first responders were recently held in Springfield, Missouri.
"We're hoping that this is going to make a difference and it's going to save lives," NCMEC Director of Special Programs Robert Hoever said.
