Training emergency services personnel to support individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities: a scoping review of program components and outcomes

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McCluskey, S., Leif, E., Bloomfield, B., & Humm, P. (2025). Training emergency services personnel to support individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities: a scoping review of program components and outcomes. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2025.2557429

Publication date: 11 Sep 2025 Added to AutiHub: 7 Aug 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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4
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 4 (25.0%)
  1. Sarah McCluskey
  2. Erin Leif
  3. Bradley Bloomfield
  4. Paige Humm *

Abstract

Objectives This scoping review aimed to identify and evaluate training programs for emergency service personnel (ESP) that support individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) during emergencies, focusing on core components, outcome measures, and effectiveness.Methods The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five peer-reviewed studies published between 2001 and 2023 met inclusion criteria. Study designs, participant populations, training content, and outcome measures were charted for analysis.Results Most studies targeted police officers and primarily addressed autism spectrum disorder. Training interventions typically used quasi-experimental designs and combined didactic instruction with optional role-play exercises. All five studies reported improved ESP knowledge, confidence, or skills after training. However, outcome measures and training content were inconsistent across studies, indicating a lack of standardized approaches.Conclusions Training programs show promise in enhancing ESP knowledge, skills, and confidence in supporting individuals with NDD during emergencies. However, inconsistency in training content and outcome measures across studies highlights the need to develop standardized training curricula and outcome measures to strengthen the evidence base and inform practice.

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Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 0 / 19 (0.0%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 0 / 140 (0.0%).
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Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 19 / 151 (12.6%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 15 / 15 (100.0%).
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