A Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Training Academy

Students shall identify and explain the following aspects, behaviors, and challenges facing individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and how to effectively manage these challenges and better serve this community:
 The clinical definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder
 The broad spectrum of challenges and degree of affectation within the ASD Community
 The areas most significantly impacted in individuals on the Autism Spectrum
 The vital statistics nationally and globally relevant to ASD and the impact on the communities they serve
 The common characteristics and presentations of ASD to better recognize and identify autistic individuals
 How the following challenges affect the daily lives of autistic individuals:
 Sensory processing challenges
 Rigidity/concrete thinking
 Communication challenges
 Self-stimulatory behavior
 The effects of fear, stress, anxiety, and panic on the behavior of autistic individuals
 The most effective strategies and tactics in approaching and communicating with autistic individuals
 The most effective strategies and tactics to gain trust and compliance from autistic individuals
 How to identify and leverage common devices, tools, and applications used by autistic individuals to with communication
 The tragic consequences of misunderstanding and miscommunication with autistic individuals
 Various tools, strategies, and tactics of non-verbal communication
 How to apply the above insights to de-escalate behavior and gain compliance during high-stress situations
 How to apply the above insights to missing person searches to maximize chances of a successful outcome
 How common autistic behaviors, presentations, and challenges often mimic intoxication, drug impairment, and evasiveness
 How ASD affects the entire family, including caretakers of autistic individuals