'Bill masterfully translates and suggests how to interpret common behaviors of people with autism for law enforcers, rescue personnel and other first responders. However, all people desiring a deeper understanding in making the world a safer and more understandable place for people with autism will benefit greatly from reading Dangerous Encounters. Bill's use of indoor shopping malls and other everyday surroundings for learning vital social skills are just some of the brilliant tools mentioned for parents and others working with people on the autism spectrum.' - Stephen M. Shore, Board of Directors for Autism Society of America 'Bill Davis is one of the most incredible advocates for children with autism that I know. Bill and his family have hit the challenge of rearing a child with autism head on. But they don't stop there. The whole family works to educate people within their community and beyond, whether they have children with autism in their own families or not. The seeds that Bill sews today will, in due season, bring an incredible harvest for his son and the options and opportunities that he will have in his life. Bill's book touches on so many important aspects that parents and the general public need to know about when they have a child with autism in their homes or in their community. There are helpful hints for both parents and professionals on how to handle emergency and safety situations and how to prepare for such events before your family ever would face them. Do you know what to do if your house is on fire? Will your child with autism respond properly to the firefighters? Will they respond properly to your child? Don't wait until you are in the situation. Bill Davis lays out a clear outline for both you and the professionals that can help your family. Take his advice and take the time to help educate those people in your neighborhood so that your family will be safe.' - Shelley Reynolds, Unlocking Autism Most emergency workers know very little about autism. This book explains what to look for and how to successfully handle encounters with people who have autism. It takes emergency responders and parents through everyday situations, stressing safety and awareness. This helps avoid the many problems that have and do arise when encountering autism in emergencies. In addition, this book is aimed at retailers and retail security, as people with autism can look extremely suspicious in shops. For instance, a person with autism may well start to rearrange CDs or books by color. This can leave a wrong impression on a retailer who hasn't encountered autism before and lead to the police being called. Both professionals and parents can work to prevent escalating situations. If given proper education, serious situations can be avoided when a person with autism is involved. This book contains practical appendices, such as emergency ID card instructions and how to make a travel communication safety book, as well as safety social stories that teach a person with autism how to act safely in emergency situations. It outlines a number of steps everyone can take and guidelines that can be followed. It is also a good training tool for emergency responders. from the publisher's website Table of Contents A Walk in the Mall. 1. What is Autism? 2. Why Training is Needed 3. Characteristics of Autism. 4. Why Law Enforcement might be Called. 5. How to Communicate. 6. Challenging Circumstances for Emergency Responders. 7. Particular Challenges for Ambulance and Emergency Room Workers. 8. Fire Rescue. 9. Shoplifting and Store Disturbances: A Special Problem for Retailers and Law Enforcement Officers. 10. How Emergency Responders and Parents can Work Together. 11. Preventing Problems in Everyday Life. Epilogue. Appendices. Index. | 
