Family and Caregiver Reports of their Child with Autism’s Interactions with First Responders: A Pilot Study

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Current prevalence rates indicate 1 in 36 people have ASD, accounting for around 30,000 Montanans. With increasing rates of diagnoses, it is inevitable that first responders will encounter individuals with ASD. Due to differences in communication styles and reactions in high stress social situations, interactions can look different than with other members of the community. Research shows that interactions between individuals with autism and first responders are often unsatisfactory from the perspective of their parents and/or caregivers. There is a lack of training for first responders on neurodiversity resulting in discomfort, dissatisfaction, fear, and anxiety within the ASD community when the quality of care depends on first responders. This qualitative case study is three pronged, seeking to learn about the experiences of people with autism, family/caregivers, and first responders in emergency situations. This poster focuses on the perspective of family members and caregivers of individuals with autism, highlighting the results of a pilot study conducted to determine the acceptability and feasibility of implementing the study statewide in Montana. Summaries from interviews will be presented in this poster session, along with feedback from the participants on how interview questions can be improved for use in the full study. The overarching goal of the pilot study is to ensure the research team has an effective and culturally responsive instrument for gathering qualitative data about interactions and experiences with first responders from the perspective of families and caregivers of autistic individuals, while also capturing experiences specific to Montana.