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Autism and Law Enforcement: Ensuring Safety During Encounters with Police

People with disabilities are seven times more likely to have an encounter with law enforcement than typical individuals. Parent and educator Kate Movius will discuss the autism and law enforcement training program she has developed and presented in Glendale, with funding from an Autism Speaks grant. Also appearing will be Daniel Chavez, a community integration specialist experienced in handling crises involving kids with autism and the police. A police officer will attend as well.

The mother of a 13-year-old with autism, Kate has served as Project Manager for Autism Speaks’ Autism Safety Project, which provides First Responders with information and guidelines for communicating with individuals with autism in emergency situations. For individuals with autism, learning to interact with first responders is critical. It is just as essential for first responders to understand autism and be prepared to respond effectively and safely to situations that arise involving individuals on the spectrum.

After several challenging encounters with people with autism, Glendale police officers are learning to identify symptoms of the disorder and diffuse tense situations. Adults and children with autism, when panicked, are often unable to control physical outbursts or communicate verbally. By keeping a relaxed demeanor, speaking in simple and direct sentences, allowing extra time to comply with commands, and enlisting the help of parents or caregivers, police may be able to calm an autistic person in distress and avoid physical confrontation. The recent workshop, including hypothetical calls for service and conversations with autistic children and their parents, was one of five autism training sessions for Glendale police this year, each attended by 20 to 30 patrol officers. This is exciting and necessary work, and we are so happy to have a chance to hear about it.

Safety is a critical part of all of our lives, whether we are at home or out in the community, alone or with loved ones. Being aware of our surroundings and taking precautions to stay safe are even more important for individuals with autism and their families.

Provided by: Foothill Autism Alliance

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Pasadena Child Development Associates
620 North Lake Avenue
2nd Floor
Pasadena, CA 91101