Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People With Autism Spectrum Disorders [Paperback]

Dennis Debbaudt (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1853029807 | ISBN-13: 978-1853029806 | Publication Date: October 15, 2001 | Edition: 1

Individuals with autism are seven times more likely than other people to come into contact with police and their responses to encounters with authority may not always be appropriate. Private investigator and autism advocate Dennis Debbaudt explains how typical manifestations of autism spectrum disorders, such as running away, unsteadiness, impulsive behavior or failure to respond, may be misunderstood by law enforcement professionals, with serious consequences. For parents or carers of those with autism, he offers advice on how to deal with problems arising from their encounters with professionals in positions of authority. Aimed at raising awareness and improving communication, this is a much-needed book.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dennis Debbaudt is a licensed private investigator and the owner of Debbaudt Detective Agency. As an autism advocate, he has presented information to law enforcement professionals and others throughout the US. His 16-year-old son, Kelly, is autistic.

Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (October 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1853029807
• ISBN-13: 978-1853029806
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #940,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read., July 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People With Autism Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

This is a must read for all law enforcement personnel, fire departments, emergency medical technicians and especially parents of children with autism. It is so important that communities use this resource to recognize the characteristics of persons with autism and strategies to help should they encounter a person with this neurological disorder. As a parent, this was a real eye- opener and made me realize how much work and education needs to take place in my own community. Thank you Mr. Debbaudt for this book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Autism, Advocates, and Law Enforcement Professionals, January 17, 2008

By 

C. B. Reinhardt ""Loving Grandfather"" (Aurora, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People With Autism Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

This was a very informative book regarding the difficulties law enforcement individuals face when confronted with what looks like "red flag" criminal behavior by individuals who are rarely in control of their behavior and who generaly do not respond to verbal commands. While written five years ago, this is still a timely topic, not just for law enforcement professionals, but for families who care for loved ones diagnosed with Autism. The perspectives of the author are definitely written from the heart as well as from a solid professional foundation. Anyone who is caring for a loved one afflicted with Autism should read this book and put into practice the recommendations identified.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, Practical, and Very Important, August 6, 2002

By 

Daniel M Mont (Derwood, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People With Autism Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

Debbaudt does an excellent job on two fronts" First, explaining to law enforcment professionals how to identify and deal with autistic people, but also encouraging parents and caretakers to take responsibility for educating their loved ones on how to deal with the police in order to avoid tragedies. People with developmental disabilities are seven times more likely to interact with the police than people without disabilities. This is an important issue, and this book is an important contribution towards helping ameliorate a significant problem.