Autism Spectrum Disorders

In the past two decades, autism diagnoses have increased by nearly 300%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 54 children have an autism diagnosis. The Autism Spectrum Disorders topic provides information on how police can recognize the signs of autism and effectively approach a person on the autism spectrum to minimize risk to both individuals and police officers. Learn the common characteristics of autistic people, review 5 tips to guide officers during interactions with autistic persons and be inspired to create autism sensory kits that will help calm autistic persons.

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Sheriff credits helicopter's heat-detection equipment in locating toddler with autism
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Deputies found the 2-year-old boy in tall grass near a tree line about 400 yards from his home
5 tips to guide officers during interactions with autistic persons
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Having the appropriate range of tools and training helps guarantee the best outcome for all parties
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Sensory bags help Ind. first responders better aid special needs patients
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Ben's Blue Bags are named after Ben Kodicek, 6, who served as the inspiration for project
How an Amazon wish list enabled a police department to help people with sensory sensitivity
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During a time of scarce fiscal resources, thinking outside of the box can help agencies fund special projects
What cops need to know about autism
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Typical police procedures combined with characteristics of autism can cause misunderstandings that result in a negative interaction
How a new simulation course helps officers train to recognize the signs of autism
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As the number of people with autism grows, it’s important to recognize potential communication challenges so that police can interact more safely and effectively with these individuals
Autism awareness: Why it matters for law enforcement
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In this Q&A, Police1 asks an expert what police need to know about people with autism and why, as well as what they can expect to learn from the new VirTra training course
What I learned: One chief’s experience with a new autism awareness course
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A longtime police officer and trainer picked up some critical cues and strategies when he previewed the new VirTra course
Virtual reality helps police in dealing with autistic people
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Officers can learn how to interact with people who have autism and de-escalate situations that could turn awry
Reader poll: 45% get in-service training on interacting with ASD subjects
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With the increase in those affected by autism, it’s likely that you will have contact with an ASD subject at some point in your law enforcement career
More kids with autism means more police contacts with ASD subjects
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You will encounter an ASD subject at some point — likely more than once — and those individuals will have a different response to police than “the usual suspects”
Autism FYI offers free training, app and more to law enforcement
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The app includes de-escalation techniques and five key strategies for dealing with someone having “a meltdown”
3 steps toward understanding autism challenges during traffic stops
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As the number of citizens diagnosed with high-functioning autism increases, LE interaction with these individuals is more likely
Ohio bill creates communication-disability registry for police
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Legislators took a big step toward improving relations between LE and drivers diagnosed with communication disabilities, such as autism, PTSD and hearing impairments
Autism training for police officers: The basics of response
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About 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) so the likelihood you will encounter someone with autism is high
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