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.
Leigh Anne McKingsley, director of The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability, discusses best practices in officer training
Take the opportunity to understand this vulnerable community
Technology gives first responders valuable information when they are approaching persons with physical or mental health needs
The Vitals app and Bluetooth beacon share critical, user-specific information to guide first responders in interactions with vulnerable persons
About 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) so the likelihood you will encounter someone with autism is high
Officer Chris Scott gave Kyson a challenge coin and waited with him until he felt better
The bill develops ongoing training to help officers recognize the behavior of autistic individuals, as well as to teach officers how to respond appropriately
Jim and Doug also highlight ways LEOs can bring a pursuit to a safe conclusion and explore issues related to contact with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) subjects
Officer helped find the teen’s inflatable ghost tree
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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