On April 22, 2014 the Bergen County Juvenile Fire Prevention Program (BCJFPP) will be offering Autism and Safety – It’s Unpredictable, a free workshop for first responders and others who work and interact with adolescents who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Over recent years, there has been an increased need for ASD training for first responders. The training is very important to familiarize firemen, police, and others who may interact with an individual who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder. The workshop’s goal is to instruct them on how to handle communication and safety challenges they may encounter.
The CDC states that, “about 1 in 88 children have been identified with an autism spectrum disorder,” with prevalence increasing yearly.
The workshop, presented by Adrienne Robertiello, is designed to increase an understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing tools to assist in interacting and communicating with those that have the disorder. Participants will learn how to address safety challenges and to create community partnerships to work actively to prevent negative interactions or injuries.
Ms. Robertiello is an Autism Educator and works for Children’s Specialized Hospital. She educates and presents to families, schools, community service providers, organizations, religious communities, governmental agencies, as well as general members of the community. Ms. Robertiello is also a parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism and Safety – It’s Unpredictable will be held on April 22nd from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Police and Fire Academy, Hall of Heroes located at 281 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. The workshop is free to attend and participants will receive .25 Technical CEU’s for Fire Official or Fire Inspector certification.
The Bergen County Juvenile Fire Prevention Program – offered through a partnership with Care Plus NJ, Inc. (CarePlus), an integrated mental health care organization with headquarters in Paramus – is designed to improve the quality of life for children, families, and the community through fire prevention education and intervention. The group – comprised of volunteer fire safety educators and clinicians from CarePlus – has counseled and educated thousands of children throughout Bergen County on the dangers and consequences of setting fires.
CarePlus NJ, INC. is dedicated to excellence in mental healthcare and has a commitment to life-long support needed by individuals and their families to ensure that they achieve their full potential and improve the quality of their lives.
