Autism and the Police: Preparing Your Child for Safe Encounters

Many individuals on the spectrum engage in repetitive behaviors like stimming, which may include hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating words. While these actions are harmless and often calming for the individual, they can appear unusual to someone unfamiliar with autism. Similarly, an individual with ASD might avoid eye contact or struggle to answer questions promptly, which law enforcement could mistakenly as mysterious or suspicious.

Without proper understanding or context, these differences in behavior can lead to unnecessary confrontations, misjudgments, or even tragic outcomes. For instance, according to the International Board for Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), individuals with autism are five times more likely to be incarcerated after an encounter with police compared to their neurotypical peers. This alarming statistic highlights the need for awareness and training on both sides.

Helping Children Understand Law Enforcement

Parents and caregivers can play a significant role in preparing their children for potential interactions with police officers. Teaching these skills can reduce anxiety and build confidence.

1. Introduce the Concept of Law Enforcement: Start by explaining that police officers are there to help and keep the community safe. Use simple language and visuals to make the information relatable, especially for younger children or those who are primarily visual learners.
2. Role-Play Real-Life Scenarios: Practice scenarios where your child might encounter law enforcement. For example, what should they do if they get lost? Role-playing helps them feel prepared and reduces fear of the unknown.
3. Focus on Key Safety Skills: Teach your child how to respond calmly to instructions, raise their hands if asked, and communicate their needs as clearly as possible. For nonverbal children, consider using communication tools like ID cards or apps that provide vital information about their autism. You can also use an autism ID that includes emergency contact information and personalize one from the National Autistic Society.
4. Build a Sensory-Friendly Toolkit: Discuss with your child ways to manage sensory challenges they might face during an encounter, such as carrying noise-canceling headphones or fidget items to help them stay calm.
5. Reinforce Lessons Over Time: Regularly revisit and reinforce these lessons. Consistent practice helps your child internalize these skills and reduces the likelihood of panic in an actual situation.

Tips for Law Enforcement Professionals

Police officers can also play an essential role in creating safer interactions with individuals with autism. Critical strategies include:

• Training and Awareness: Law enforcement agencies should train officers on autism, focusing on communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and behaviors commonly seen in neurodiverse individuals.
• Clear Communication: Use simple, direct language and allow extra time for responses. Avoid idioms or metaphors that might confuse someone with literal thinking tendencies.
• Patience and Calmness: Maintain a calm demeanor and avoid loud or sudden movements that could escalate sensory overload.
• Engaging Caregivers: When possible, involve family members or caregivers who can provide insight into the individual’s needs and behaviors.
• Autism Alert Programs: Many communities have alert systems where families can voluntarily register their loved ones with autism. Officers can use this information to approach situations more effectively.

How ABA Therapy Can Support Safety Skills

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy offers tailored strategies to help children with autism build practical safety skills, including those needed during interactions with law enforcement.

Through structured interventions, ABA can help children learn:

• How to Follow Instructions: ABA focuses on breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, teaching children how to respond to commands in a way they understand.
• Social Cues and Communication: Therapists work on improving social skills, such as recognizing authority figures and appropriately seeking help when needed.
• Managing Anxiety: By addressing sensory sensitivities and teaching calming techniques, ABA equips children to handle potentially stressful situations more effectively.

Parents also benefit from ABA therapy by gaining tools to reinforce these skills at home and more deeply understanding their child’s unique needs.