Preparing Individuals with Autism for Interactions with Law Enforcement

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Recent events have made many of us increasingly aware of the risks that can come with being stopped by law enforcement. The concern regarding these risks are encouraging the need for some difficult, but important conversations.  

Unfortunately, individuals with autism are at a higher risk for being stopped by law enforcement, with approximately 1 in 5 being stopped and questioned by the police by age 21.  We recently had a conversation with Joy F. Johnson, a Black self-advocate and Behavioral Therapist on how to best prepare for these interactions. Below are a few key points from questions she answered in regards to how one can prepare their child for future interactions with law enforcement.  

When to begin conversations about interactions with law enforcement

  • It’s important to have these conversations once children are school-age, as this is when they will begin to find themselves in situations without their parents or caretakers around at all times. 

How to approach these conversations 

  • Remember not to instill fear in children surrounding law enforcement, this will create more anxiety around future interactions with them.  What’s important is that they are prepared for these situations, not scared.

Practicing and modelling different situations 

  • Try practicing for these situations by doing some role-playing.  Model different scenarios, especially ones where a child would be more likely to encounter law enforcement (like an airport, for example).

Equip children with coping strategies 

  • Have strategies in place to keep in mind in case your child becomes overwhelmed in these situations.

  • Consider creating a coping card for a child to refer to.

Things to keep in mind if child is nonverbal (or has trouble speaking when overwhelmed) 

  • If your child uses a device, having a strap on it is important in order to keep it hands free so that their hands can remain up and in sight.

  • Consider creating a button they can push on their device or a physical card explaining that they have autism and their behaviors.

Points to remember

  • Don’t touch the police or their dogs.

  • Keep hands where they can be seen at all times - if you have a card explaining that you have autism, tell them where it is instead of immediately reaching for it.

  • You have the right to tell the police you wish to remain silent until your parent or advocate comes.

Thank you to Joy for sharing this important information with us and our community.

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