When the emergency services are attending an incident, it can be especially scary for people with learning difficulties and other neurodiverse conditions.
You can learn more about how to handle emergency situations if you or someone you know has a neurodivergent condition.
On this page:
- when you need to use an ambulance
- when there's a fire or smoke alarm
- when you're talking to a police officer
When you need to use an ambulance
The London Ambulance Service provides resources to help people with a learning disability or autism use their service.
These will tell you what to expect when an ambulance comes to see you.
This includes:
- assessments
- details about the inside of an ambulance
- explaining common concerns
You can:
- read an Easy Read document on what might happen when an ambulance comes to help you.
- watch the video below about travelling to the hospital in an ambulance
- find out more about the London Ambulance Service on their website
When there's a fire or smoke alarm
Children and adults with neurodiverse conditions may have strong reactions to a fire or smoke alarm.
Different reactions to fire
Hiding
Autistic people are likely to hide in a fire situation.
This is to get away from the noise, uncertainty and change.
In a fire, make sure to check anywhere that could be a hiding place, like wardrobes, under beds, behind furniture and cupboards.
Refusing to move
People with neurodiverse conditions may refuse to move during a fire emergency.
You should try to reassure them and repeat instructions.
Describe the emergency procedure or escape plan if possible, using a step-by-step approach.
It is best to assign a carer or family member to be responsible for getting the person with neurodiversity to a safe place.
Running off after rescue
People with neurodiverse conditions may wander or run off after rescue.
Stay with the person or guide them to an appropriate carer or advocate.
Neurodiverse children and adults are usually in ‘flight mode’, so they may become oblivious to other dangers.
Explore ‘graded exposure’
You can help to prepare a neurodivergent person learn a safe response for when they hear a smoke alarm.
For example, you can record the noise of the smoke alarm and play it back at a low volume.
This should be done over several weeks, gradually increasing the volume so that it doesn’t distress them.
You could also practise the escape route several times and then gradually add the low-level noise of the alarm.
Some people find wearing ear defenders useful to reduce the sound level.
An announcement or a soft noise before the fire alarm can help some people prepare themselves for what is coming.
Research has shown that graded exposure can be effective for getting over a particular fear and learning safe behaviour.
When you're talking to a police officer
The Metropolitan Police's Autism Alert Card scheme to help autistic people better interact with police officers.
All autistic or neurodivergent people can use the Autism Alert Card. It includes basic information such as the person’s name and contact details for an appropriate adult. The card also details information about autism and provides practical advice for the officer.
You can email autism@met.police.uk to request a card, which they will send to you by post.
Autistic or neurodiverse people should carry either:
- the Metropolitan Police's Autism Alert Card
- National Autistic Society credit card size alert
You can learn more about schemes on the National Police Autism Association website.
Stop and search
A stop and search usually involves stopping a person in a public place and a police officer searching their clothing for specific items.
The police have the legal power to do this at any time, but it does not mean you are under arrest.
For an autistic or neurodivergent person, this may seem scary and over stimulating.
The Metropolitan Police has created guidance for autistic or neurodivergent people on what to expect during a stop and search.
