It’s not easy being a police officer. There is a lot of pressure to always keep your best face forward in the community and act as a positive role model. One of the interesting, but also stressful, parts of the job is working with people from all walks of life. Law enforcement officers frequently interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There’s a fair bit to know when it comes to dealing with children with autism, so it’s important that police officers are kept up to speed. To ensure positive and safe encounters, it is crucial to integrate autism awareness into law enforcement training. 

Here are ten ways to effectively introduce autism awareness in Markham in training programs.

1. Incorporate Autism Awareness Into Basic Training

Normally at Monarch House, we work with the therapy and education of children with autism. So it might seem a little out of place to focus on police officer training. However, it is important that various members of our community (including police officers) understand and have an appreciation of autistic children so we are here to help with whatever information and resources that we can. Integrating autism into the community is what it’s all about. Most police academies have already got a head start and their programs include autism awareness as part of their standard curriculum. If not, however, be sure to let us know. It’s important that new recruits understand the unique behavioural patterns found in people with neurodivergence. One of the characteristics of autism that they might learn about could be sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and repetitive behaviours. Being familiar with these traits can help officers recognize and appropriately respond to individuals with ASD.

2. Use Scenario-Based Training

If you have no real-world experience with a child with autism, it can be a confusing experience. Police without the necessary background can potentially get frustrated and confused by people with ASD. For this reason, hands-on training exercises, such as role-playing and simulated encounters, can help officers practice de-escalation techniques when engaging with individuals on the spectrum. These scenarios should mimic real-life situations, including interactions with non-verbal individuals or those experiencing sensory overload.

3. Partner With Autism Experts and Advocates

The police officers aren’t going to want to do this on their own. It is going to take many hands on deck including therapists at Monarch House, parents, caregivers, and educators to get everyone onboard. They are going to want to work with active members of the community to ensure that training materials are accurate and reflective of real experiences. Ask us about bringing in guest speakers with lived experiences, this can provide officers with valuable insights.

4. Provide Training On Non-Verbal And Alternative Communication

One thing that you’ll discover is that no two people with autism are the same. In fact, some individuals with autism may be almost entirely non-verbal. They may have limited abilities or use assistive communication devices. Officers should receive training on recognizing and understanding alternative communication methods, such as picture exchange systems or text-to-speech applications.

5. Teach De-Escalation And Crisis Intervention Techniques

Understanding how to regulate your emotions is an important skill when dealing with autistic individuals. Police officers can learn some counting, meditation, and de-escalation techniques to make them more naturally prepared for when they need to deal with the moods and emotions of individuals with autism. Many people with autism experience difficulty processing commands, especially under stress. Training should emphasize calm, clear communication and de-escalation techniques, such as allowing extra time for responses and minimizing sensory triggers like flashing lights and loud sirens.

6. Develop And Distribute Autism Identification Tools

It doesn’t hurt to have visual aids that make it a little easier for children with autism to be  identified in a crowd. People get separated, and it can alleviate a lot of anxiety if you can find your lost child sooner. There are many scenarios where law enforcement might need to be aware of the number of neurodivergent vs. ASD children there are in a room, and a quick shorthand can be very useful. Providing officers with autism ID cards, wristbands, or decals that individuals or their caregivers can use may help identify those with autism. Officers should be trained to recognize and respect these identifiers to adjust their approach accordingly.

7. Educate On Sensory Processing Differences

Once you are aware of some of the idiosyncrasies and quirks that people with autism have, it makes it easier to get a big picture outlook of what these indivduals are actually like. For instance, if you wrap your head around some of the sensory sensitivities that some neurodivergent children face, it becomes easier to understand where they are coming from. Officers should understand that some individuals with autism have heightened or diminished sensitivity to stimuli, such as bright lights, loud noises, or unexpected physical contact. Training should emphasize how to reduce sensory stressors during encounters.

8. Implement Community Engagement Programs

A police presence at community events can make a child feel more secure. Just having a few roving police officers during a community event can help a child that is lost, or provide some direction for parents that are looking for a meeting place. Encouraging law enforcement agencies to go in parades, appear on floats, or have booths at trade show exhibits. If they participate in community events where autism organizations are present, it can help to foster trust. Sensory-friendly meet-and-greet events allow individuals with autism to become familiar with officers in a non-threatening environment.

9. Offer Online And Continuing Education Modules

It’s important to keep up-to-date in your knowledge of autistic children. Police officers can take workshops or participate in refresher courses now and again to make sure that their knowledge set is current. Providing ongoing, accessible training through online courses and refresher sessions ensures that officers stay updated on best practices for interacting with individuals with autism. Continuous learning helps reinforce key concepts and introduce new research findings.

10. Create Departmental Autism Response Policies

It’s one thing to have a theoretical understanding of how autistic children interact with the outside world, but it is another thing to have practical, hands-on experience in the area. Police departments should establish clear policies and guidelines for handling encounters with individuals with autism. Standardized protocols help officers respond consistently and appropriately, ensuring the safety of both officers and the individuals they serve.

With a little forward planning and research, it’s possible for law enforcement to be familiar with autism and how it manifests in children and adults alike. By incorporating these strategies into law enforcement training, officers can better understand autism and create safer, more effective interactions with individuals on the spectrum. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help. Increased awareness and preparedness lead to more positive outcomes, benefiting both the community and law enforcement professionals.