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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What I wish the law enforcement community knew about people with autism
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Take the opportunity to understand this vulnerable community
Colo. first responders using app to foster safer encounters with people
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Technology gives first responders valuable information when they are approaching persons with physical or mental health needs
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Introducing the next-gen less-lethal impact round
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Alternative Ballistics, Inc.

Less-lethal munitions can be minutes away from a critical scene, but this alternative is readily available to deploy within seconds
How police departments are participating in Autism Awareness Month
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Agencies across the country spread awareness and trained officers for encounters with someone who is autistic
Fla. sheriff launches autism-awareness decal, registration program to alert responders
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Sheriff Grady Judd, whose grandson has autism, says the program will help deputies have better interactions with people who may be on the autism spectrum
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
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”
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