Autism & Law Enforcement - Video training & Resources

This page contains links to training articles - video - information resources

Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board mandate

Autism & Developmental Disabilities

Illinois Police Training Provisions lists the minimum topics to be taught during the basic L.E. academy (50 ILCS 705/7) (from Ch. 85, par. 507). After graduation from the basic academy, officers are expected to receive refresher and in-service training during their careers. A board certified course is the preferred method of meeting this requirement, but agencies may also use other resources to enhance this training and reduce officer/agency liability via alternate resources. 

One of the required topics is identifying and interacting with persons with autism and other developmental or physical⁷ disabilities and addressing the unique challenges presented by cases involving victims or witnesses with autism and other developmental disabilities². 

Any agency can use the below information as in-service training and keep record of it in their training files

What is Autism? Autism is a disability, the prevalence of which may have increased significantly in recent years, although there is much debate as to whether this is actually so or whether diagnostic and reporting patterns have simply gotten more efficient. While there is clearly a genetic basis for it, there is also debate about the causes of the disorder and the possible role that environmental factors may play.

Autism is characterized as a brain development disorder that results in impairment in communication and social interaction. Autistic individuals frequently engage in restricted and repetitive behavior. They are often most comfortable with routines—sometimes very rigidly, becoming easily upset by a new situation, the presence of an unknown person, loud noise, or unanticipated surprises. Often, their "response" may be a "meltdown," acting out, ritualistic behavior, inappropriate verbal statements, or other actions that may be viewed by some, mistakenly, as an indication of hostility, criminal intent, alcohol or drug intoxication, etc.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) include autism and related conditions Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified). The prevalence is currently estimated at 6 persons per thousand in the population. For some reason, there are four times as many males as females with these disabilities.

Those with Asperger's may have fewer problems with linguistic and cognitive development, but have limited empathy with others and may be physically clumsy. PDD-NOS is often milder than autism, with some, but not all, of the same symptoms.

From a third to a half of all persons with autism have such stunted speech development that they cannot meet their ordinary daily communication needs. Some may repeat others' words. Unlike mute persons, the difficulty is not physical inability to make sounds, but a neurological and cognitive problem. Some autistic persons have difficulty making and maintaining eye contact with others.

A police officer may mistakenly interpret this as "suspicious," having something to hide, or defiance, when in reality it is not being able to or not knowing how to respond appropriately, or even fear from what, to many, would be a routine social encounter. The result has sometimes, unfortunately, been rapid escalation of the encounter, with ensuing injury or death. (excerpt from AELE Journal)

The following videos and below information may be used for Autism Awareness training within your agency.