A Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Training Academy

Course Description: The purpose of this hybrid course is to train first responders across Virginia on safe, evidence-based, and community-informed procedures for supporting people with autism in crisis. Content covered will include a description of what autism is, how to recognize it, how to successfully communicate with autistic people, how to de-escalate them during crisis, locate them during wandering episodes, and connect them and your agency with follow-up resources.
Instructors for the in-person component have lived experiences with autism and as first responders. This course is intended to teach interdisciplinary audiences (i.e., law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire rescue) how to collaboratively respond to and support the autism community.

Hybrid Course Details

1) Online Component: One two (2) hour online pre-requisite course
● Online course access will be sent to the email you enter below on November 25th, 2025 at 8am EST (or upon submission if after this date)
● You will have 3 weeks to complete the online course
● Completion is required to attend the in-person training session

2) In-Person Component: One four (4) hour in-person training **Bring notetaking materials**
● LOCATION: Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy
● ADDRESS: 45299 Research Place, Ashburn, VA 20147 - Classroom 110
● DATE: December 16th
● TIME: 10am - 2pm EST