Understanding Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide for First Responders

Home Safe’s partner the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) continually works to raise awareness related to children on the autism spectrum because of the rate at which they go missing and are recovered deceased due to accidental deaths such as drowning in bodies of water. These recommendations for how law enforcement can best support these children are based on what NCMEC has learned about autism spectrum disorder. This guide defines autism spectrum disorder (ASD), describes NCMEC’s whole community approach, provides search protocols and a questionnaire for first responders, discusses the importance of building awareness through community partnerships, and describes the use of technological solutions. The guide closes with a list of additional resources.