Androscoggin County
Sheriff's Office

Sheriff - Eric Samson

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Welcome to the Sheriff's Office Information Portal

Did you know?

Autism -  1 in 68 children are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder and boys are four times more likely to be affected by Autism.

Wandering statistics

* Half the ASD population wanders (31% from school setting)

* Recent study showed of those under age 9 that wandered, 41% of the time it was a fatal outcome

* Of ASD wandering deaths, 91% are attributed to drowning, so SEARCH WATER FIRST

* Persons with ASD, due to issues such as sensory dysfunction, processing difficulties and other communication challenges,often experience emotional meltdowns, during which they may be injured.

Due to the above, it is critical that families are proactive and register their loved one with local first responders, so that a rapid response can be achieved.  Autism training has been a part of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy training for new officers since 2006, and it is also a mandatory training topic for officers already on the road in 2016-2017.  The class is taught by a retired law enforcement officer who has a child with ASD.  So it is important for families to know that officers have the knowledge to respond to these incidents, and will be much better able to ensure a safe outcome if they take the time to provide their local police department with some basic information that can be used in the event of an emergency

Please click the link below for an excellent resource for families with children who may wander:

http://nationalautismassociation.org/wandering-quick-tips/

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office would like to “Help Us Help You.” We have provided a downloadable form here on the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office website that families of people affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder can fill out and return to us for entry into our records management system.  This form contains information and a picture of a loved one that can help emergency responders access in a crisis situation so they may respond quickly and appropriately should the need arise.

Please click the link below for the form.

Autism/Developmental Disability Registration Form For First Responders

 

Contact the Autism Society of Maine for information on any type of support you need on this journey with a loved one affected by Autism, 1-800-273-5200.

 

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