Nevada First Responders Get Autism Training to Improve Emergency Response
A statewide 'train-the-trainer' session aims to reduce misunderstandings and unnecessary arrests involving people on the autism spectrum.
First responders from across Nevada gathered for a free, day-long autism training session hosted by the Autism Coalition of Nevada, learning to better recognize and respond to individuals on the autism spectrum. The event follows the passage of Senate Bill 380, signed by Governor Joe Lombardo, which requires autism-specific training for first responders statewide and marks a significant step toward more consistent awareness across agencies.
Train-the-Trainer Model Reaches Agencies Statewide
The session brought together police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel from agencies across Nevada under what organizers describe as a 'train-the-trainer' model. Rather than training only those in attendance, the approach equips participants with tools and knowledge they can bring back to their departments and share with colleagues, multiplying the reach of the program.
The training was led by First Responder Autism Training, a national program that travels the country teaching officers and emergency crews how to recognize autism indicators and respond appropriately. Instruction centers on real-world scenarios that emphasize slowing down and de-escalating during high-pressure interactions.
Understanding Autism Behaviors in High-Pressure Situations
A core focus of the training is helping first responders identify behaviors commonly associated with autism — such as delayed responses, lack of eye contact, or repetition — and adjust their approach accordingly. In emergency situations, those behaviors can be misread as non-compliance or aggression, sometimes leading to unnecessary arrests.
Michelle Scott-Lewing, president of the Autism Coalition of Nevada, said the goal is straightforward: 'The training is to help them understand what's in front of them, which is a person on the spectrum, and not somebody that's being combative or argumentative.' Advocates noted that misunderstandings occur frequently and that targeted education is aimed at reducing those outcomes.
Henderson Police Build on Existing Mental Health Training
Henderson Police Department officials said their officers already receive training on a range of mental health conditions, and the autism-focused session builds on that existing foundation with a more targeted approach.
Deputy Chief Matthew Murnane of the Henderson Police Department explained the practical value for officers in the field: 'For officers to be able to recognize those signs and be able to understand like, hey, this person, even though they're not talking to me or they're not doing what I'm saying, that doesn't mean they're non-compliant. It just means maybe, hey, there's something else going on there.'
Senate Bill 380 Mandates Autism Training for First Responders
The training session is part of a broader push following the passage of Senate Bill 380, which was signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo. The legislation requires autism-specific training for first responders and adds guidance around how officers should be educated on recognizing and interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Organizers described the law as a significant step toward more consistent awareness across agencies throughout Nevada, providing a legal framework that supports and sustains these educational efforts beyond individual, voluntary sessions.
Plans to Expand Training to Northern Nevada
Organizers said they intend to expand the program with an additional training session in Northern Nevada later this year. The goal is to make the training more accessible statewide and ensure that more first responders have the tools needed to safely handle interactions involving people on the autism spectrum.
The free nature of the sessions is intended to lower barriers for agencies of all sizes to participate, allowing departments with limited budgets to access the same resources as larger organizations.
What we know
- The Autism Coalition of Nevada hosted a free, day-long autism training session for first responders from agencies across Nevada.
- The session used a 'train-the-trainer' model, equipping attendees with tools to share with their departments.
- Senate Bill 380, signed by Governor Joe Lombardo, requires autism-specific training for first responders in Nevada.
- The training was led by First Responder Autism Training, a national program that teaches officers and emergency crews to recognize autism indicators.
- Henderson Police Deputy Chief Matthew Murnane said HPD officers already receive training on a range of mental health conditions.
- Organizers plan to hold an additional training session in Northern Nevada later this year.
Why it matters
For Henderson and the broader Las Vegas metro area, where Henderson Police have already engaged with the program, this training has direct implications for how officers interact with residents on the autism spectrum during emergencies. Misidentified behaviors can escalate quickly, and advocates say unnecessary arrests have resulted from such misunderstandings. With Senate Bill 380 now law, agencies across Nevada — including those in Southern Nevada — have both a mandate and a growing resource network to improve outcomes for one of the community's most vulnerable populations.
What’s next
Organizers with the Autism Coalition of Nevada have announced plans for an additional training session in Northern Nevada later this year, aiming to extend the program's statewide reach. Senate Bill 380 continues to shape how agencies implement autism-specific training requirements going forward, with the train-the-trainer model intended to multiply the number of officers equipped to handle these interactions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Senate Bill 380 and what does it require?
Senate Bill 380, signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo, requires autism-specific training for first responders in Nevada and adds guidance on how officers should be educated on recognizing and interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Who hosted the Nevada first responder autism training session?
The free, day-long training session was hosted by the Autism Coalition of Nevada and led by First Responder Autism Training, a national program.
How does the train-the-trainer model work for autism training?
Attendees are equipped with tools and knowledge they can bring back to their own departments and share with colleagues, extending the training's reach beyond those who attended the session directly.
What autism behaviors does the training help first responders recognize?
The training helps first responders identify behaviors such as delayed responses, lack of eye contact, and repetition, and teaches them to adjust their approach rather than interpreting those behaviors as non-compliance or aggression.
Will the autism training be available in Northern Nevada?
Organizers said they plan to hold an additional training session in Northern Nevada later this year to make the program more accessible statewide.