IRSC Introduces Autism Spectrum Disorder Awareness Training for Law Enforcement Officers

May 10, 2022 Suzanne Seldes

FORT PIERCE, FL—The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among children is on the rise according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2021 Community Report on Autism. In response, the Indian River State College (IRSC) School of Public Service Education has developed training to educate law enforcement professionals on how to recognize the signs of ASD. The first class takes place on June 2, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the IRSC Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex.

“I believe this training is paramount for our Region XI law enforcement officers and deputies,” said Dr. Raimundo Socorro, Dean of Public Service Education at IRSC. “Law enforcement must understand, recognize the signs, and know how to deal with an ASD situation.”

With 1 in 44 children in the U.S. having a diagnosis of ASD (CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network), there is an increased likelihood that law enforcement will encounter someone with ASD while on duty. According to the CDC, people with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn differently than other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart. The specialized training offer by IRSC provides law enforcement officers with an understanding and awareness that people with ASD can be the victims of crimes, such as abuse, neglect, sexual battery, and robbery.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Awareness Training is one of the ways IRSC is expanding its professional development offerings at its Treasure Coast Public Safety Complex to meet the everchanging needs of first responders in our region.

To register or learn more about the June 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder Training course, contact Dr. Raimundo Socorro at rsocorro@irsc.edu. For more information about the TCPSTC and its other course offerings, visit www.tcpublicsafetytraining.com.