2

Comments

Autism-recognition training for police

by Beth

Ever since January 1 of this year, new police officers here in Illinois have been required to take autism-recognition instruction. Some local police departments are extending the training to all first-responders on their staffs.

An article in today’s Chicago Tribune reports that a growing number of states are requiring autism-recognition training for law enforcement officials.

Illinois legislators last fall voted to require that newly-recruited officers be taught to identify and interact with people who have autism and other developmental disabilities. Florida, Indiana, Maine, North Carolina and Pennsylvania also require autism training, said [Dennis] Debbaudt, who trains law enforcement officials nationwide on autism awareness. New Jersey legislators last month approved autism preparation for emergency workers.

“It’s a matter of learning a few skills that could turn the situation around,” said Illinois Sen. John Millner (R-Carol Stream), a former police chief who co-sponsored the legislation.

The Tribune article also gives some examples of tools that help officers communicate with people who have autism: flash cards, for example. An interesting read — check it out!


 

Comments may not reflect Easterseals' policies or positions.


  1. franny brill Says:

    July 29th, 2008 at 11:39 am

    I have also been in touch with the police department here in Little Elm, and they are using teaching methods as well. People have to be made aware of what is truly going on with these angels.

    When people remove their uniforms, or management labels, they become ordinary people, just like us…and just like us they are in the dark…until it hits home…then if you are lucky you are handed a mental flashlight.

  2. franny brill Says:

    July 29th, 2008 at 11:38 am

    I have also been in touch with the police department here in Little Elm, and they are using teaching methods as well. People have to be made aware of what is truly going on with this angels.

    When people remove their uniforms, or management labels, they become ordinary people, just like us…and just like us they are in the dark…until it hits home…then if you are lucky you are handed a mental flashlight.