A few testimonials from our recent trainings:
The class on Autism contact training was fantastic. Being a law enforcement officer I feel there is a need for this area of training in the criminal justice community. Dustin was very knowledgeable in the course of instruction. I feel his background as a police officer helped relay the message of Autism awareness and I would recommend this class to all officers.” – Jeremy W. Lay Detective Jasper Police Department
“We (The Anniston Police Department) noticed increased calls for service and interactions with citizens who are autistic. With the increase in interactions, we felt the need to be properly trained to best serve the community. The training was very informative and I highly recommend Dustin and IAG. It’s not a matter of “if” your department will have contact with someone with autism, it’s “when”. We are now better prepared.” – Lt. Tim Suits, Anniston Police Department
“Of the workshops I attended at SABE, yours was actually the MOST fun and captivating! You are an awesome presenter. You know how to reach us. And you could teach others a lot about presenting. Most of all, one step closer to a more inclusive world.” – S.S
“The First Responder Training for interactions with individuals on the Autism Spectrum presented by Dustin Chandler is a must for all Sworn Law Enforcement. He has a unique perspective on how he is able to relay the information on Autism to First Responders. This is because he was a Police Officer. The fact the he has been there, on the street working in Patrol, gives him the ability to get the message across in a way that Police Officers can relate to and understand. Like the saying goes, the only ones who really know what Cops go through is…other Cops. The question is not IF we will ever be on a call with an Autistic person, but WHEN. Great information, great instruction, great class. Thank you very much for getting this information in the hands of First Responders.” – Officer Hale, Hoover PD
“Thank you so much for bringing the Autism awareness class to us. The information was very valuable and presented in a very useful way. The one thought that kept resonating in my mind was that I never knew how much I didn’t know. We hear the term autism so often, but it wasn’t till your class that I was able to understand how broad the autism spectrum is. The information concerning how hyperactive someone’s sensory functions are has really enhanced my understanding of why certain behaviors exist and how to recognize and remove those stressor’s. I think something that impressed me most was observing how my coworkers were so engaged in a lecture and so eager to participate in discussion. This says a lot when you can affectively grab the attention of a group of firefighters. I hope we can find a way to deliver this class several more times so we can get more of our guys in it. Thank you again for the time and effort you put into this for us. Sometimes it’s hard to see the end results of your efforts, but rest assured you are making a difference.” – Christopher Phillips, Lieutenant, Paramedic – Decatur Fire and Rescue
“This is some of the best awareness training I have received in my 12 years of Law Enforcement.”– Assistant Police Chief Martin – Dadeville PD
“As a fellow Aurism parent and Autism advocate, I have attended multiple trainings focused on safety and first responders. Dustin Chandler, with IAG, was very focused and effective in driving home the importance of identifying Autism and how to understand those techniques to best approach individuals with ASD. He used a relevant and up to date format, making the trainings appealing and easy to follow. I would recommend this training to all first responder departments. Thank you and Great work Dustin!” – Parent
“I have been in Law Enforcement for 30 years and until today, I have never had a class on how to respond to/ deal with situations involving an autistic person. The training was some of the best and most informative I have had in many years and it touched upon a wide variety of topics.” – Officer with Montgomery Police Department.
“In law enforcement, it’s all about how you communicate with people, that’s how you de-escalate situations. That’s how we go into a call or some sort of situation and handle it is by communication. These trainings help us understand people and how to communicate with them.” – Captain Shane Healey of the Opelika Police Department
“Thank you so much for sharing your information with us today. I had several people comment on the class. Everyone was very pleased and felt very informed. I admire your passion for teaching the class. Again, thank you so much.” – 9-1-1 Dispatcher
“I did find the information you shared to be very informative. I work sex crimes in the homicide unit. I will be sure to keep your suggestions in mind if and when I have a victim or witness diagnosed with Autism or ASD. Thank you.” – Detective Sex Crimes, Homicide Unit
“I just wanted to touch base with you this afternoon and let you know how much I enjoyed your “When Autism Calls 9-1-1” on Friday, February 5, 2016. I took this class at the APCO International Conference in Washington, D.C. last August and was excited to attend this one. I have a grandson that is Autistic and was hoping to learn more about how to most effectively handle a 911 call involving a possible autistic. I would have to say your class was far superior to any class that I have taken or attended thus far. The material had great depth and the videos were very insightful. I loved the testimonials and the “real life” situations that you presented. I really appreciated the way you pushed through the material and yet allowed participation from the group keeping everyone on their toes and connected throughout the day.” – Chief Operations Officer at 9-1-1 Center
