ALEC
The Autism and Law Enforcement
Education Coalition
The ALEC program provides training to First Responders so that they are able to recognize situations
involving children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The ALEC program
began in 2003 as a collaborative effort of the South Norfolk County Arc Family Autism Center
and the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office. ALEC training helps foster a deeper understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders among public safety and law enforcement
personnel. Training is available for Police Officers, Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics and
Hospital Emergency Room Personnel, using curriculum and videos specific to each group. Presenters are
First Responders with direct knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders through a family member.
Because of this personal knowledge, in addition to their specific professional background, they
are able to answer questions on a wide range of possible situations. The goal of ALEC training is to provide additional tools for First Responders to use in assessing the risk of a situation. See letter of support for ALEC.
ASD is now believed to occur in one out of every 150 births. It touches nearly everyone’s life at some point. Make certain that you and your organization have the knowledge that you need to protect and communicate with people with ASD. To find out more about ALEC, contact Bill Cannata at BCANNATA@SNCARC.ORG or at 781-762-4001 ext. 420. Bill is a Captain in the Westwood MA Fire Department and is the Statewide ALEC Coordinator. The ALEC Project is supported in part with funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Autism Spectrum Division.
Click here to get a copy of the ALEC brochure
Click here to get information about holding a Community Day in your area to introduce children with developmental disabilities to local First-Responders.
Click here for ALEC curriculum information for professionals |
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