In a crisis, an autistic child may not respond to their name, make eye contact, or follow verbal commands — and none of that is defiance.
Three Shifts That Change Outcomes
- Lower the sensory load — kill the sirens and flashing lights when safe to do so
- One voice, few words — a single calm speaker giving short, concrete directions
- Give time and space — processing delays are real; silence is not refusal
Connection before direction — even in uniform, even in a hurry.
