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Bullying and Youth with Disabilities and Special Health Needs
Children with disabilities—such as physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional, and sensory disabilities—are at an increased risk of being bullied. Any number of factors— physical vulnerability, social skill challenges, or intolerant environments—may increase the risk. Research...
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Two Sides to the Safety Equation: Bridging the Gap Between Police and Individuals with ASD
Given the heightened risk that individuals with autism face when they have contact with the police, this article highlights two valuable safety programs that bridge the gap between police and those with ASD to build mutual understanding and improve outcomes in a police encounter. Media outlets...
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The Link Between Autism and Suicide Risk
Mr. A, a middle-aged chemist, came to a Baltimore emergency room after a suicide attempt. He said he was “thoroughly depressed.” He had been fired after throwing a chair at his boss, not his first outburst at work. Doctors admitted him to the hospital, where they became suspicious of his...
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Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Unique People Services Creating Community Connections
On a sunny day in August, on a typical tree lined suburban street in Queens, NY, a knock opens a neighbor’s door. “Are you coming?” asked a client of Unique People Services (UPS). UPS was holding an open house to introduce the community to their newest neighbors: six women with varying...
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Sexual Misconduct on Campus: A Brief Introduction to Title IX Guidelines and Policies for Parents and Caregivers
A young woman waits in line with friends at the counter of a college cafeteria, discussing topics from a class they attended earlier. Nearby, a young man who also attends the class watches the young woman intently, looking for an opportunity to catch her attention. He calls her name a few times,...
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Project Lifesaver – From the Beach to the Police Department
As way of background I am a Police Detective in the New Rochelle Police Department (NY) and President of the New Rochelle PBA. New Rochelle is a 10 square mile city located within Westchester County, NY. Westchester County offers Project Lifesaver to all qualified residents within the County. I...
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Advocating for Awareness of Wandering and How Avonte’s Law Can Help
Imagine celebrating a birthday party in your home. You have friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues over for a joyous occasion filled with laughter, celebration, and a relaxing evening of catching up with those you care about the most. The evening is going smoothly when all of a sudden you hear...
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Safety in Numbers – Traveling with Students on the Autism Spectrum
Travel with students on the autism spectrum is a fun and rewarding experience provided that planning and forethought are engaged before going on a trip. Domestic local day trips differ from multi-day international excursions. However, some basic tenants pertain to the planning of each kind of trip....
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Pathways to Justice: Beyond Crisis De-Escalation Training
A persistent and much-debated question for criminal justice professionals has been the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities as criminal defendants, as victims of crime, and as witnesses of crime. Issues arise from the moment of contact with a first responder. Since the...
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The Importance of Community Involvement in Preventing a Wandering Incident
Approximately 48% of children diagnosed with autism have been reported to elope at some point in their lives, frequently from places that are considered the safest environments for them to be in, such as homes and schools. People who elope place themselves in harm’s way and increase their risk of...
