Theresa Swope/Staff Report

BAY MINETTE — Theresa Swope/Staff Report

The Bay Minette Police Department bulletin board sports a flyer generated by the mother of an Autism-Spectrum-Disorder son alerting officers of her son's tendency to wander off, ride his bicycle anywhere with no regard for safety and participate in other risky behaviors.

Why did this mother feel the need to post such a flyer? Because, according to autismriskmanagement.com, a Web site hosted by internationally known writer and speaker Dennis Debbaudt, "research indicates that persons with developmental disabilities, including a rapidly rising autism population, are approximately seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement professionals than others."

That's why the Center for Autism and Asperger Resources in Robertsdale is sponsoring the Autism Risk and Safety Management conference Sunday and Monday.

"Autistic children grow up to be autistic adults," Foley Police Chief David Wilson said. "An autistic adult can easily be misinterpreted in the streets by law enforcement officers if they have not had the training to recognize autism. This training is critical for all first responders as well as dispatchers."

Conference speaker Debbaudt, the father of an autistic son, has become known as the world’s leading authority on the development of curriculum training tools and techniques for law enforcement professionals, according to autismriskmanagement.com.

"With more than 10 years of experience presenting autism related law enforcement training sessions, Debbaudt's training materials are in use by law enforcement agencies in the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom," the Web site states.

The conference sponsor, CAAR, is a non-profit, grass-roots organization, was created by parents who are concerned about the future of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities.

"Our mission is to bring Autism Spectrum Disorder resources to our area," Mary Thweatt, founding member and organization president, said. "Currently, families challenged by Autism Spectrum Disorders are traveling out of our area for testing, and ABA therapy."

Conferences such as the one being sponsored this weekend are a part of that mission.

Sunday's event, titled "Are you prepared for an autism emergency" is aimed at parents, grandparents, extended family and other caregivers of autism children and will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Faulkner State Community College.

"Some of the topics covered by this training are wandering and bolting, medical emergencies, fire, school incidents, public safety, criminal justice issues, behavioral de-escalation techniques, common autism behaviors and characteristics and more," Thweatt said.

Monday's conference is broken down into three sessions.

"Autism recognition, response and risk management," aimed at law enforcement, security guards, first responders and criminal justice professionals, is from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The same program includes information for fire-rescue personnel, EMT/paramedics and hospital emergency room professionals as well as security guards, campus police and any officers who are not able to attend the morning session.

"Police and first response professionals will meet children and adults with autism in field situations," Debbaudt's Web site states. "Training will make these interactions safer and less stressful."

A session aimed at school personnel will be held from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. "In case of emergency: Autism risk and safety on campus," will give information for educators, principals and non-teaching personnel such as bus drivers, cafeteria workers and administration.

 The conference is free event for professionals and caregivers, but registration is required to provide enough handouts and refreshments. To register, go to alcaar.org or call the center at (251) 971-2175.