ALEC
The Autism and Law Enforcement
Education Coalition
ALEC trains first responders to recognize and relate well to children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
ALEC began as a collaborative effort of the South Norfolk County Arc FAMILY AUTISM CENTER and the NORFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. With the support of the Autism Spectrum Division of the Massachusetts
Department of Mental Retardation, ALEC has become a statewide program.
ALEC is designed to help foster a deeper
understanding of Autism Spectrum disorders
among public safety and law enforcement personnel. Training is available for police officers,
emergency room personnel and fire fighters. There is a curriculum specific to the needs of each group.
The presenters are first responders who have knowledge of ASD through a family member. They
make training presentations to other first responders in order to increase the safety of
people with ASD and facilitate communication during emergency situations. Because the presenters
have a deep understanding of ASD, they are able to answer questions and brainstorm with program
participants on the needs in their communities.
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 (This
is the phone number for his office at SNCARC. Leave a message and he will call you back). Bill is a Lieutenant in the Westwood MA Fire Department and is Statewide ALEC Coordinator.
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