Disabilities , Dementia, and Brain Injury Detective Matthew Tinney Crisis Intervention Team Albuquerque Police Department

Objectives Developmental Disabilities Autism Dementia Alzheimer's TBI 2

Developmental Disabilities Often referred to as mental retardation Developmental disability is a term used to describe life-long disabilities attributable to mental, physical, or a combination of mental and physical impairments.

Developmental Disabilities A diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments Begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime Developmental disabilities are usually classified as severe, profound, moderate or mild

Developmental Disabilities Most commonly used to refer to disabilities affecting daily functioning in three or more of the following areas: Capacity for independent living Economic self- sufficiency Learning Mobility Receptive and expressive language Self-care Self-direction

Developmental Disabilities Currently, United States Code title 42, Chapter 144 defines individuals as having a developmental disability or delay if they possess the following: Mental retardation, Cerebral palsy, Autism spectrum disorders, Various genetic and chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Autism It is estimated that on 4 of 5 occasions, police will be called for an autistic subject, due to their unusual behavior, and not because of dangerous or criminal activity there are two identifying features of autism spectrum disorders, along with a tendency to engage in atypical repetitive behaviors, that unite all persons with autism, they all have difficulty with socialization and communication. More likely to be victimized

Autism Typically do not fully comprehend nonverbal communication, such as: tone of voice, body language, eye contact, facial expression or personal space. As a result, they are typically: socially awkward have difficulty communicating have trouble recognizing safety hazards struggle with understanding social norms and the law

Dementia Progressive decline in cognitive functioning due to damage or disease in the brain Particularly affected areas may be memory, attention, language, and problem solving. Affected persons may be disoriented in time (not knowing what day of the week, day of the month, month, or even what year it is), in place (not knowing where they are), and in person (not knowing who they are).

Dementia Symptoms of dementia can be classified as either reversible or irreversible depending upon the etiology of the disease. Less than 10% of cases of dementia have been reversed. Dementia is a non-specific term encompassing many disease processes. Without careful assessment, delirium can easily be confused with dementia. Delirium is a medical term used to describe an acute and relatively sudden (developing over hours to days) decline in attention-focus, perception, and cognition. 10

Alzheimer’s Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia. The most common form of dementia, affecting about 5 million men and women in the United States. The incidence increases with age, and is very rare among people younger than 60. It affects up to 50 percent of people older than 85

Alzheimer’s The first symptoms are often confused with the changes that take place in normal aging, it's important to remember that Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. A brain disorder in which the first problem many people notice is forgetfulness severe enough to affect their work, lifelong hobbies, or social life. Gets worse over time. Has no known cure. 12

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) A complex injury resulting from trauma to the head or brain. Broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. The impact on a person and their family can be devastating. Classified as mild if loss of consciousness and/or confusion and disorientation is shorter than 30 minutes.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Common Symptoms of Mild TBI: Fatigue, Headaches, Visual disturbances, Memory loss, Poor attention/concentration, Sleep disturbances, Dizziness/loss of balance, Irritability-emotional disturbances, Feelings of depression, Seizures, Nausea, Loss of smell. Sensitivity to light and sounds, Mood changes, Getting lost or confused, and Slowness in thinking. Other Names For Mild TBI: Concussion, Minor head trauma, Minor TBI, Minor brain injury, or Minor head injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Moderate brain injury is an injury resulting in a loss of consciousness from 20 minutes to 6 hours. Severe brain injury is an injury resulting in a loss of consciousness of greater than 6 hours. Severe TBI often results in severe cognitive deficits, speech and language problems, sensory and perceptual impairment, seizures, physical changes, and social-emotional difficulties.

Keys for Law Enforcement Respect the Person (Emphasize the person not the disability.) Be aware of symptoms and potential limitations the individual may have. Understand as much as you can and do not be afraid to ask questions so you become more informed. Get help when you are not certain.

Thanks! Detective Matthew Tinney mtinney@cabq.gov 553-2229 924-6000 Crisis Intervention Team Albuquerque Police Department 18