At any time when the life or safety of your family and/or the person with autism is in imminent danger contact the local police department.  Many departments are beginning to train their personnel in “first responder” programs aimed at people with neurological and/or psychiatric disabilities.  Tell the police that your loved one has threatened or demonstrated destructive behavior, and/or injured himself or others previously, and that you are concerned for his and your family’s safety.  Stay calm, but assertive.  Be factual and explicit in giving the details that cause you to believe that an intervention is needed.  You should ask for a welfare check.  This is a term to describe a preventative visit or other intervention by a law enforcement officer.

The police department may tell you that until the person commits an offense they cannot intervene. If this is the case, contact your local Department of Human Services child or adult abuse/welfare department.  A social services intervention will help you to access the services and supports that may be necessary to keep your loved one and your family safe and get that loved one the services and supports they may need. If the danger seems clear and immediate to you and you cannot get police protection or social services intervention bring the loved one, if possible, to the emergency room of your local hospital.  This is a last resort, but may be necessary if it is a time when the other resources are not responsive or available.

Some agencies specialize in residential treatment services for persons with developmental disabilities and autism.  ASC can assist to you to identify those resources should you be considering an out-of-home, temporary placement.  If the Department of Human Services (DHS) recommends that your child be placed temporarily in residential treatment, you may be asked to give up custody, temporarily, so as to allow the State to draw down public funding to pay for your loved one’s care.

Getting a trusted family friend or advocate involved in the meetings with DHS personnel and other relevant parties is a recommendation that should not be underestimated.  The systems of care, once your loved one is involved with placement decisions, are complex and cumbersome.  Having an objective but caring support person by your side will help you to assimilate and digest the information that you need to understand and advocate successfully for your child.  A group ASC often refers people to for support in these matters is EMPOWER.  This group is primarily family members of loved ones with neurological and mental health diagnoses, many of whom have had relationships with law enforcement, social services, mental health centers, and residential treatment providers.  EMPOWER can be reached via its website and listserv at www.empowercolorado.com.