The actions or non-responsiveness of people with autism are almost always misinterpreted by untrained individuals. Inappropriate social responses and non-contextual emotional outbursts, commonly seen in people with autism, can cause confusion at best and spark conflict in worst case scenarios. The inability to follow complex or even simple directions during an emergency or crisis situation can lead to serious injury or worse. Without training and awareness of this condition, tragic consequences often ensue when effected individuals come in contact with law enforcement. However, these contacts can often be easily resolved when the officers and professionals involved have the information they need to navigate what can be a complex situation. Research shows that persons with autism and other developmental disabilities are approximately seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement professionals than a member of the general population. Children and adults with autism now live, work, go to school and recreate in the community in increasing numbers. Law enforcement professionals and emergency services providers will have field interactions with the autistic population, their parents and care providers. The primary goal of this project is to make the general community a safer place for people with developmental disabilities. Specifically this project will:
Gary Weitzen is the Executive Director of POAC Autism Services, which is the largest provider of free autism training and education in the state of New Jersey. Mr. Weitzen, comes to POAC with 20 years experience in the risk management field. He is a Masters Level, safety and education expert with over fourteen years experience in special needs program provision and education. In addition to his duties at POAC, for the past thirteen years he has worked for an autism program teaching life skills to adults with autism. Mr. Weitzen currently serves on the New Jersey Governor’s Council for Biomedical Research. In the past he has served as New Jersey representative for Unlocking Autism, and Vice President of Princeton Autism Technology. He has appeared on virtually every major network and local news station as an expert on autism and has given presentations to tens of thousands of people across New Jersey. Mr. Weitzen has three children. His eldest son Christopher has autism. He has been a passionate advocate of children and adults with autism for well over a decade.