Autism ALERT

Safety Products for Families Affected by Autism

2010-01-28T10:34:00.000-06:00

Select Autism Merchandise is offers Safety Kits for individuals and families affected by autism. These kits were both inspired and informed by Autism ALERT's first responder and caregiver trainings. The kits are aimed at ensuring the safety of an individual with autism as well as encouraging partnerships between individuals and families affected by autism and their local first responders.

The kits include an engraved, medical ID jewelry item, an info sheet and CD, an autism ID card, "Occupant With Autism" car and home decals, temporary tattoos, autism awareness/encounter cards, and an informative guide on keeping ones with autism safe, including guidelines for interacting with first responders, 911 premise alerts, search and rescue protocol, and much more.

Select Autism Merchandise also offers Autism Interaction Kits for first responders, medical professionals, therapy clinics, teachers, parents, and caregivers.

Open Select Autism Merchandise Link In A New Window

New Website Coming Soon

2009-12-07T16:53:00.000-06:00

Thanks for visiting! You might have noticed that we haven't updated this website/blog with recent trainings lately. That's because we are in the process of designing a new and much better site! It will include a lot more features and information on all of the training programs offered, as well as a calendar of events, video clips, an interactive quiz, and much more.

In the past several months, we've also trained many more first responding departments through on-site visits and through local and statewide conferences. Many thanks to those who have hosted Autism ALERT, and to the families who have shared their experiences with their first responders as well.

Like this website, the new website can be reached via www.AutismAlert.org

Upcoming Autism Training: Southern Wisconsin / Northern Illinois

2009-09-16T12:56:00.004-05:00

Don't miss the upcoming autism training for first responders at Lake Geneva High School in Lake Geneva, WI, on Saturday, September 19th. Generously sponsored by the Town of Linn and the Mercy Health System, this training promises to be educational for all! Time: 8:30am-noon.

Midwest Police and Security Expo

2009-08-16T12:50:00.002-05:00

It was great to see police and security personnel from across the midwest at the conference and expo. Several people came up to me afterwards, telling their own stories from experiences in the field. Thanks to everyone who took the time to attend!

National Night Out 2009: Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

2009-08-02T22:21:00.005-05:00

Don't miss National Night Out 2009! It's a great opportunity to meet your first responders! It happens across the US on the first Tuesday of August every year! Google your county and "national night out" to see where an event is near you! It's great for kids and adults of all ages!

This event will give you and your family a chance to meet police, fire, and EMS personnel as well as take a look at a lot of neat emergency vehicles! You might also get to meet some police dogs and horses.

If you have a disabled child, this would be a great event to familiarize them with emergency staff and vehicles. It would also be an excellent opportunity to speak with the first responders and let them know about any special needs your family may have.

Autism ALERT is now on Twitter

2009-07-15T22:27:00.000-05:00

Autism ALERT, Inc. is now Twittering! For updates on upcoming events, as well as important autism news, tune in to:

@AutismTraining

New Website Coming Soon

2009-07-12T10:28:00.000-05:00

2009 Fundraiser : Make A Difference!

2009-04-27T22:43:00.017-05:00

For a suggested donation of $10 or more, you too can make a difference in 2009!

These beautifully crafted pins get to the heart of the matter, with the puzzle piece representing autism, the heart signifying the love we have for our children, and the "making a difference" slogan recognizing what you do when you support Autism ALERT.

Monies raised will help to provide safety kits to low-income families with a child or children on the autism spectrum and provide training for caregivers and first responders.

Donations can be made via cash, check, or credit card (through PayPal). Be sure to provide your mailing address so a pin can be sent to you. Checks should be made payable to Autism ALERT and sent to PO Box 282, Cambridge, WI 53523. To make a donation via PayPal, please click on the button below.

Thank you for supporting Autism ALERT, Inc., and families affected by autism.

Autism Walk Appleton

2009-04-25T20:50:00.004-05:00

Even though it was a rainy spring day, over 1000 caring individuals and families came out to walk in support of autism. This annual event was hosted by the Friends of Autism, who did an amazing job rallying volunteers and walkers alike. Thanks to everyone, including Tanner Bar and Grill in Kimberly who generously donated their facilities, for supporting families with autism.

Walworth County Training at Lakeland School

2009-04-18T20:42:00.002-05:00

Our special thanks goes to Lakeland School of Elkhorn for hosting Autism ALERT's first responder and caregiver trainings for Walworth County. Over 100 people attended with a broad range of backgrounds. Representatives from local police, fire, EMS, state patrol, educators, social workers, and health care professionals were present for the morning session to learn how to recognize, communicate, and interact with someone with an autism spectrum disorder. The afternoon session was filled with caregivers and volunteer first responders who came together to learn about ways to keep our kids with autism safe.

Lakeland School provided refreshments and volunteers and made the day a success for everyone. I also had the honor of touring Lakeland, which is a beautiful public school in Walworth County for disabled children. Walworth County is truly lucky to have such a wonderful facility filled with dedicated teachers and professionals.

Dane County 911 Call Center

2009-01-23T23:42:00.004-06:00

Today I spent the day learning about what happens when someone calls 911 in Dane County. Call centers are well-organized and complex places that use software, computer systems, and good old-fashioned maps to direct emergency and non-emergency calls.

When an emergency call comes in, it is logged and sent out to other stations where waiting operators simultaneously dispatch police, fire, EMS, or some combination thereof. It was fascinating to see it all work so seamlessly together.

Many thanks to the managers and operators who hosted my visit!

Wisconsin Trauma Conference

2008-11-08T18:30:00.004-06:00

The Wisconsin Division of the American Trauma Society held it's annual conference at Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids. The conference was well attended and boasted a broad range of participants including EMTs and paramedics, nurses, clinicians, physicians, police and fire, 911 dispatchers, social workers, educators, and much more.

I was fortunate to co-present with Lisa Peck, a child life specialist from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Children's Hospital. Together we spoke to over 100 participants on effective ways to interact and communicate with individuals with autism, Down's syndrome, and cerebral palsy.

The audience asked fantastic questions and shared heart-felt personal and professional stories that enhanced everyone's experiences. Many thanks to all who attended.

Autism Interaction Kits for First Responders Now Available

2008-08-11T12:08:00.006-05:00

Autism Interaction Kits for first responders are now available! Since many individuals with autism do not respond to teddy bears, these kits were designed to assist with communication and make interactions more successful. The kits include a variety of visual, auditory, tactile, and oral items, as well as two, double-sided autism interaction cards containing information on autism, picture communication symbols, and an alphabet. These kits are great for squad cars, ambulances, fire trucks, emergency rooms, doctors offices, dentist offices, schools, therapy clinics, etc.

Open Autism Interaction Kit Link In A New Window

Maple Bluff EMS

2008-06-04T22:42:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday, June 4th, I was joined by members of the Maple Bluff EMS, as well as representatives from Maple Bluff Police and Fire. It was a great session filled with a lot of relevant questions. Many thanks to Kris Loy for bringing me in and coordinating the session, and to all of the dedicated first responders who attended.

I also debuted the first responder kits, which were well received and will be released for sale soon. The kit will offer products designed to make interactions with individuals with autism easier and less stressful. They will be particularly useful for EMS assessments and doctors visits.

Jefferson County Fire Chief's Association

2008-05-21T00:32:00.000-05:00

On May 21, the Jefferson County Fire Chief's Association generously hosted a brief presentation about Autism ALERT and the training it provides to first responders. Many thanks to them for allowing me the opportunity to spread the word and raise awareness about this important cause.

Marshall Safety Day

2008-05-17T22:05:00.000-05:00

Marshall Safety Day was Saturday, May 17th. Many thanks to Marshall EMS for hosting the event and inviting Autism ALERT to set up a display to raise autism awareness and promote the safety of our children and family members. Attendees included area hospitals, poison control, AAA, the Red Cross, a military hospital setup, police, fire, EMS, and much more!

Project Lifesaver is Coming to Dane County

2008-05-15T18:25:00.005-05:00

The Dane County Sheriff's Office has officially raised enough funds to purchase the Project Lifesaver equipment for Dane County! More funds are still needed to support individuals in the community who need bracelets, as well as for training for the first responders in tracking lost individuals. Many thanks to all of you for your generous donors. It will still be a couple of months before the system is in use. Check back here for updates.

Autism & Asperger's Digest Article

2008-05-04T22:09:00.009-05:00

In this month's Autism & Asperger's Digest (May/June 2008), there is a feature article entitled "Autism Training for First Responders" which details how Autism ALERT, Inc. came into existence, as well as the many aspects of the training program I offer today. In it, I discuss interaction guidelines for first responders and common scenarios police, fire, and EMS may encounter. I also give parents information on steps they can take to keep their children safe. The article will be available for electronic distribution after July 1st.

Autism & Asperger's Digest is an excellent publication for caregivers and contains many useful articles on everything related to autism spectrum disorders. Articles come from parents and well as professionals, giving it a well-rounded feel with lots of useful information.

Autism Society of Wisconsin's Annual Conference

2008-05-03T22:03:00.000-05:00

I was honored to be able to present my Autism Safety for Individuals and Their Families training session to the many attendees of the Autism Society of Wisconsin's Annual Conference in Green Bay. I was joined by more than 60 dedicated parents, caregivers, teachers, therapists, and other persons who interact with autistic individuals every day. My special thanks also goes to Jeremy Stover of Ashwaubenon Public Safety and his colleagues who came to answer audience questions from a first responder's point of view.

This was a fantastic conference and I recommend it to all caregivers, service providers, and individuals with autism. Next year's conference will take place in May in Wisconsin Dells. See you there!

Watertown Fire Department

2008-04-24T23:17:00.005-05:00

I was joined by 13 firefighters in Watertown on a rainy Thursday evening. The group exercises were particularly useful, with each group working diligently through the tools they had to communicate with the volunteer autistic individual. I was encouraged to see the first responders working together to find effective ways to interact with the affected individuals.

Comments from this group were also very insightful, indicating the need for patience and understanding. Community partnerships were of special interest, since knowledge of the existence of an autistic individual on the premises could potentially avert a tragedy.

Dane County EMS Round Table

2008-04-21T21:58:00.000-05:00

My special thanks to Carrie Meier who invited me to the county's training round table to discuss my autism training program for first responders. I was glad to see some familiar faces and services I'd already trained. The questions asked and examples given were well informed and I look forward to training the other services.

Autism Safety Training for Caregivers - ASGM

2008-04-15T22:23:00.005-05:00

On Tuesday evening, the Autism Society of Greater Madison (ASGM) hosted the Autism Safety Training for Caregivers presentation. I spoke to over 20 parents, caregivers, and board members who have firsthand experience with raising a child on the autism spectrum. Many of the parents openly shared their own experiences, yielding a collective knowledge and wisdom that helped everyone in attendance. The presentation was followed by a visit from Dane County Community Deputy Coy Bethel, who graciously answered everyone's questions and shared his own experiences in working with differently-abled individuals.

The next Autism Safety Training for Caregivers session will be offered at the Autism Society of Wisconsin's Annual Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Saturday, May 3rd.

Marshall EMS

2008-04-14T21:57:00.004-05:00

On Monday evening, I was joined by 25 members of Marshall EMS. Beyond training these first responders in how to recognize and respond to an autistic individual, we were joined by a local family. The young man with autism was a pleasure to have with us and showed a side of autism not often seen, that of a young person fully aware of his surroundings and wanting to interact and engage with others. Autistic children, like all children, want to fit in and be liked.

After the training, I received a lot of good comments and support regarding raising autism awareness in the area. I was graciously invited to host a booth on autism awareness at Marshall's upcoming Safety Day on Saturday, May 19th. The caregiver safety kit that I showcased at the training, which is available to families through www.SelectAutismMerchandise.com, will also be available at this event. Marshall EMS and Pastor Paul also generously offered to donate space to Autism ALERT to offer an Autism Safety Training for Caregivers session in Marshall sometime this summer. My many thanks to this group of first responders for their dedication in helping those in their community.

Autism Display

2008-04-04T09:38:00.005-05:00

April is Autism Awareness Month! If you are local, you might want to visit the autism display I've put up in the Cambridge library. It features a multitude of information on autism including poems and essays written by autistic teenagers, diagnostic criteria, safety information, statistics, communication suggestions, books, merchandise, and more!

Open Brief Video Clip on Display In A New Window

Watertown EMS

2008-03-28T16:12:00.004-05:00

Watertown EMS brought me in to train all three of their full-time EMS crews. I was especially impressed while observing one of the small group exercises in which a participant turned off the lights, blocked the open door with his body instead of touching the autistic volunteer, and stood back to allow the one-on-one interaction of his partner and the volunteer, all of which reinforced the strategies emphasized in training.

I also had the fortune of being joined by representatives of the fire and police departments. Their comments for further expanding my training program within the community of parents, physicians, and other first responders were greatly appreciated.

McFarland Fire Department

2008-03-24T22:01:00.005-05:00

The McFarland Fire Department is in the unique position of having a school for autistic children in their district. It was a pleasure to train these firefighters and emphasize the importance of their role in their community. I was impressed with their eagerness to learn about autism as well as the school.

The visit from a local family further emphasized the presentation and gave the family a chance to express their concerns while giving the firefighters an opportunity to meet an autistic child. The participants called the training an "eye opening experience" and one they would recommend to other departments.

Autism & Law Enforcement: Why It Matters

2008-03-20T12:54:00.005-05:00

Autism is particularly challenging when it comes to interactions with law enforcement. The very nature of autism will challenge every instinct instilled into a highly trained police officer. Without awareness and training, these interactions can degrade into physical confrontations, which often end tragically and lead to litigation on the autistic person's behalf.

This article about law enforcement was published in the March/April 2008 issue of the Wisconsin Police Chief Association's Newsletter.

Open Article In A New Window

It details the various scenarios that may be encountered by law enforcement, as well as some suggestions for how to deal with them. Acknowledgments to Dennis Debbaudt who's groundbreaking work in autism and law enforcement training informed and inspired this article.

Upcoming Parent Training

2008-02-26T22:49:00.007-06:00

There are many things that parents and caregivers of autistic children and adults can do to keep their loved ones safe and avoid tragedies. This parent training covers the following topics: developing child info sheets, the importance of medic alert jewelry, 911 premise alerts, neighborhood watch for wanderers programs, tracking devices and home security, building relationships with your local first responders, preparing for an emergency, and much more! First responders will also be available to answer your questions. So don't miss the upcoming training! The Autism Society of Greater Madison will be hosting a session open to the general public on Tuesday, April 15, from 7 to 9 pm. Check their website for more details: www.AutismMadison.org

Project Lifesaver & Star Country 96.3

2008-02-15T14:41:00.007-06:00

My special thanks go to John, Tammy, and Angie of Star Country 96.3 WMAD who gave Deputy Mike Butler and myself a chance to ask the citizens of Dane County to support Project Lifesaver during a live broadcast of their morning show. John and Tammy further emphasized our appeal, and their support--as well as the financial contriubutions of their listeners--is much appreciated.

Lake Mills EMS

2008-02-11T22:18:00.000-06:00

On Monday, February 11th, I was joined by 25 members of the Lake Mills EMS, as well as a handful of employees from a local daycare center. Several of the members had both personal and professional experience with autism and this led to many relevant questions about the disorder and how to work with it. A common concern was how to provide the highest level of care given the sensory issues surrounding autism.

After the training a local family came with their son to discuss their experiences with their autistic sons. The father's comments were eloquent and shed light on the condition. My thanks go out to this family as well as this group of first responders and day care workers who were sincerely interested in serving this population.

DeForest EMS and Fire Department

2008-01-17T14:32:00.000-06:00

On Thursday, January 17, I was joined by 35 EMS and firefighters at the DeForest Municipal Building. I am always amazed by the commitment our volunteers make and that they turned out in such large numbers for this training is a testament to their dedication to helping their community. One thought that resonated throughout the room was the need to restrict the number of people simultaneously trying to interact with/evaluate the autistic person.

A family from the area also came to the training. Their presence was very enlightening for everyone and reinforced the topics covered the in training. Shannon Sullivan, training director, said "Your presentation was AWESOME! I have heard nothing but positive feedback from all of our members. You gave us information to use in our practice and provided us with ideas from which we can build on as far as policies go for dealing with autistic patients and their families."

Project Lifesaver Fundraising Begins

2008-01-15T14:53:00.003-06:00

The Dane County Sheriff's Office's "Friends of Project Lifesaver" fund is officially accepted donations! Project Lifesaver is an international program that trains law enforcement agencies to use state of the art technology to find individuals who have wandered away and become lost, including those affected by Autism and Alzheimer’s.

http://www.projectlifesaver.org/

Please considering sponsoring an autistic child or an adult suffering from dementia to help keep them safe. Donations to the Dane County Project Lifesaver program can be sent to “Friends of Project Lifesaver” c/o Sgt. Lorie Wiessinger at the Dane County Law Enforcement Training Center (DCLETC), 5184 Highway 19, Waunakee, WI 53597.

Blooming Grove Fire Department

2008-01-14T14:17:00.000-06:00

On Monday, January 14, I was joined by 35 firefighters at the Blooming Grove Fire Department and three staff members from Common Threads, a school serving autistic children in Dane County. The session was enlightening and the questions asked were very insightful. I was impressed by the thoroughness and dedication these firefighters used to approach each situation. The small group sessions were the highlight of the evening, envoking such comments as "a very big eye opener to all of us."

My special thanks goes to Glenn Linzmeier who welcomed the training for his staff and commended my program and my efforts. Each training teaches me new things, and the feedback from this session in particular has allowed me to further improve the content of my training.

Project Lifesaver Resolution

2007-12-06T23:58:00.001-06:00

A resolution from the Dane County Sheriff's Office regarding Project Lifesaver was up before the Dane County board tonight. I was honored to be invited to speak at the meeting on behalf of bringing Project Lifesaver to Dane County. The resolution passed unanimously. Thanks to all of our county supervisors for their support on this important and life-saving inititiative.

Fire Chief's Association Meeting

2007-11-14T21:41:00.003-06:00

My special thanks goes to Chief Glenn Linzmeier of the Blooming Grove Fire Dept. who gave me the opportunity to speak to the chiefs and deputy chiefs of 32 fire departments about my autism training program. Over 50 people were in attendance and I commend their openness in pursuing this area of training for their staff. Everyone seemed very receptive to the idea and I was honored to be able to present to this dedicated group of individuals.

Project Lifesaver for Dane County

2007-11-04T21:46:00.002-06:00

The Dane County Sheriff's Deparment has been leading the initiative to bring Project Lifesaver to Dane County. After a tragic case in Wisconsin this past summer where an autistic boy wandered away from home and drowned, I began my quest to bring Project Lifesaver to Dane County. After several phone calls and promoting the idea at my autism training sessions, Lorie Wiessinger of the Dane County Sherrif's Department attended one of my programs and agreed to lead the effort. Together with community officers Mike Butler and Leslie Fox, their combined efforts have lead to a strong case for moving Project Lifesaver forward in Dane County. I am confident that we will get Project Lifesaver within the next year and I am immensely grateful for all of their efforts in seeing this project to fluition.

Oregon EMS and Fire Department

2007-10-09T22:03:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, October 9th, 20 EMS and fire fighters attended the autism training session at the Oregon Fire Department. The first responders asked excellent questions and added their own invaluable experience to the training. The small group sessions were enlightening and it was great to see everyone working together to apply the presented information in an effort to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Three local families also brought their autistic children to the session. The families graciously gave insight into their children and the children were also able to tell their side of the story, opening a unique window into the world as they see it. It was an excellent opportunity for first responders to interact with these familes and for the families to to meet their first responders.

Cambridge EMS and Fire Department

2007-09-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, September 4th, I was joined by 20 EMS and fire personnel at the Cambridge Fire Department. Everyone was very receptive to volunteering for and participating in the small group sessions. Their pertinent questions and comments spoke to their dedication to their jobs and their communities.

Jim Baldauf, Director of the Cambridge Area EMS, found this presentation to be perfect for the needs of EMS, fire and police services. He goes on to say "Chris presented this information in just the right manner for us; it was informative and educational. This is must-have training for all departments." He also says, "YES I'd love to be a reference for you, I think the information you have to offer is just what many services need."

Doria Dahl, reporter for the Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent, states: "Thanks so much for including me on the training. I was amazed and found all of it very informative. I had no idea about much of this, so feel that it is good to spread the word to raise awareness."

DeerGrove EMS and Deerfield Fire Department

2007-08-28T00:00:00.001-05:00

On Monday, August 27th, DeerGrove EMS and Deerfield Fire sent 30 of their members to attend my autism training program. The participant-led demonstrations and small group sessions were a great success. These first responders went above and beyond the instructions I gave them to truly understand the challenges and rewards of working with children and adults on the autism spectrum. Some interesting comments included recognizing the need for increased personal space, struggling with the inability to give comfort through touch, and an increased awareness of looking for medical IDs on persons with autism.

Lisa Antoniewicz, Deer-Grove EMS Deputy Chief and Training
Director at Oregon Fire/EMS, said of the training: “Thank you SO much for a very informative session! You really did an amazing job developing a program that is very applicable for all of us
involved in human protective services. Our department very much enjoyed your presentation. If you are interested in extending this program to other services, I would love to recommend you.”

Sergeant Lorie Wiessinger, Facility Administrator for the Dane County Law Enforcement Training Center, said: “I was very impressed with the presentation. As a parent myself, I really give you credit for all the time and effort you have put into this. Now I know why you were so adamant to train emergency personnel. I think you need to get your presentation out to the media. Thanks again for inviting me.”