Episode 12: Alicia Lutman '99, Autism Awareness for First Responders

In this episode, Alicia Lutman ’99, OTD, shares her journey from TMI into occupational therapy. She talks about her passion for research and developing programs for first responders and school resource officers in interacting with children and adults with autism or mental health conditions.

She shares some tips for both caregivers and first responders for emergency situations such as:

• Reminding people that individuals with autism are on a spectrum; some are able to communicate with you and some are not.
• We need to be careful about our word choices and understand that the more upset they become, the harder it is to keep the situation under control.
• Anxiousness and depression, especially in boys and men, can often manifest as anger and aggression.
• Caregivers can be proactive in providing an information sheet to 911 dispatchers.

Dr. Lutman talks about involving Shenandoah University students with the research and continuing to develop and expand on the program for first responders. She also shares her involvement during her time at TMI, her best memories, and offers some advice for our graduating seniors.

 

Alicia Lutman, OTD, MS, OTR/L, ATC
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University

B.S., Exercise Science, Concordia College
M.S., Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University
OTD, Occupational Therapy, University of St.Augustine
https://www.su.edu/faculty-staff/faculty/alicia-lutman/

https://www.policeone.com/videos/originals/training/191745519-How-SROs-can-help-develop-socially-acceptable-behavior-in-kids/

Lutman, A.(2017) Autism Awareness for First Responders. EMS World. 46(11)38-41.
http://emsworld.epubxp.com/i/890710-nov-2017/38?

Lutman, A. (2016) School Resource Officers. Journal of International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. 6(2) 24- 27.

Lutman, A. (2016 March) Supplemental Training for School Resource officers. Journal of International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. 6(1)65 - 66

Lutman, A. (2015 Dec) Designing an autism awareness program for Law Enforcement. Journal of International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association 23-27.

Lutman, A. (2014, April 14). Autism awareness training program for first responders. OT Practice.  12-13.