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Faculty

Amber Woodward

MBA, NRP
Assistant Director
Aiken County EMS

Amber Woodward, MBA, NRP, is the Assistant Director of Aiken County Emergency Services in Aiken, South Carolina. She is a speaker and educator specializing in autism training for all emergency services personnel. Amber has 10 years of autism advocacy experience as a parent of an autistic child and serves on the South Carolina Advisory Council for Educating Students with Disabilities. She is the recipient of the Sean Kivlehan, MD, MPH Award for winning the 2025 Stand and Deliver competition at EMS World Expo. Amber holds a Bachelor of Arts in Disaster and Emergency Management and a Master of Business Administration. She also launched the Aiken County Emergency Services Sensory Sensitive and Special Needs Touch-A-Truck in 2018 which continues to provide positive interactions between emergency services personnel and special needs individuals.

2026 Sessions

STAND AND DELIVER SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: He Doesn't Understand. He Has Autism.

Yes, I understand

This presentation equips first responders to recognize key behavioral characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and adapt their approach during emergency situations. Participants will learn to identify communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors, while understanding the underlying nervous system factors driving these responses. By distinguishing coping mechanisms from signs of distress, responders will be better prepared to prevent escalation and avoid negative interactions that may have lasting effects.

Attendees will gain practical strategies to create a calm, supportive environment, implement effective de-escalation techniques, and communicate using tailored, patient-centered methods. The course also highlights ways to build trust and rapport with autistic patients through patience, empathy, and clear, consistent communication, with the goal of improving safety, clinical outcomes, and the overall experience for both responders and individuals with autism.

Presenter (1 Presenter)

Friday, October 02 1:00–2:00 PM
Room W222 A
Faculty

Amber Woodward

MBA, NRP
Assistant Director
Aiken County EMS

Amber Woodward, MBA, NRP, is the Assistant Director of Aiken County Emergency Services in Aiken, South Carolina. She is a speaker and educator specializing in autism training for all emergency services personnel. Amber has 10 years of autism advocacy experience as a parent of an autistic child and serves on the South Carolina Advisory Council for Educating Students with Disabilities. She is the recipient of the Sean Kivlehan, MD, MPH Award for winning the 2025 Stand and Deliver competition at EMS World Expo. Amber holds a Bachelor of Arts in Disaster and Emergency Management and a Master of Business Administration. She also launched the Aiken County Emergency Services Sensory Sensitive and Special Needs Touch-A-Truck in 2018 which continues to provide positive interactions between emergency services personnel and special needs individuals.
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