This study analyzed existing training in the Southeastern United States in an effort to determine the overall nature and composition of training related to mental disorders and training related specifically to Autism Spectrum Disorders. This analysis was achieved by conducting interviews with training coordinators from each state in the region and comparing training materials from each state to existing guidelines for training on mental disorders and existing recommendations for training on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Results of this analysis indicated that existing law enforcement training in each state was inconsistent with existing guidelines for training in these areas.

For autistic people who find themselves facing a criminal charge, understanding how the features of autism may have contributed to their behaviour can be vital context for their defence. In this insightful book, Nick Dubin explores how and why autistic people get caught up in the criminal justice system. He delves into what steps can be taken to prevent autistic people committing crimes and what should be done to ensure their fair and appropriate treatment if they are charged with a crime. It covers everything from prevention to the aftermath of sentencing, including available counselling and therapy. Nick's personal experience and meticulous research shows that criminal justice can be an oppressive system that misunderstands and stigmatizes autistic people, especially low-risk individuals and those with less criminal responsibility.

Debbaudt explains how typical manifestations of autism spectrum disorders, such as running away, unsteadiness, impulsive behavior or failure to respond, may be misunderstood by law enforcement professionals, with serious consequences. For individuals with ASDs, he offers advice on how to behave in encounters with law enforcement professionals.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social interaction and social communication skills. High ASD prevalence rates have increased public concern about how persons diagnosed with the disorder will interact with others in their communities. Police officers routinely interact with people diagnosed with a variety of disabilities and mental illnesses. Current law enforcement training includes a broad focus on mental illness that may not be sufficient to prepare law enforcement officers to interact with persons diagnosed with ASD. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a privately-owned ASD training program developed for law enforcement officers. A total of 195 police officers participated in this study during 3 separate training events at 2 police departments in Southern California. Results showed a significant increase in participants' knowledge of core ASD symptoms in 4 out of 6 program training modules. In addition, participants reported gains in the following domains: perceived confidence in interacting with persons with ASD, perceived practicality of providing accommodations for people diagnosed with ASD, and perceived relevance to participants' work as police officers. The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations are made regarding future presentations of the training and future areas of research. Keywords: Autism, law enforcement, training, mental health.

The purpose of this study was to examine law enforcement officers' understanding of Austism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The current study examined law enforcement officers' general knowledge of ASD. Law enforcement participants watched a training video on ASD: Law Enforcement: Your Piece to the Autism Puzzle (Sahara Cares, 2007). The participants were given a questionnaire to assess their understanding of ASD prior (pre-test) to watching the training video. The participants were given the same questionnaire after (post-test) viewing the training video. It was hypothetical that there would be a significant differences between the training group and the control group on the amount of change in knowledge from pre- to post-training. Specifically, participants assigned to the active training would achieve higher scores than the control group. The results indicated that there was a significant difference between training groups in the amount of change in understanding from pre- to post-training. The results also indicated that after viewing the training video, the participants' confidence to interact with and identify individuals with ASD had significantly increased. The implications of this study, including the limitations and the areas of future research are discussed.

This book addresses an important and relatively neglected topic in the scientific literature: individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have dealings with the legal system. It examines issues and implications for autistic people, who have a significant risk for engagement with the legal system in some capacity (e.g., witness/bystander, victim, or perpetrator). Key areas of coverage include: Autistic people as victims and perpetrators of criminal activities, including violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, and cybercrime. Risks for unlawful behavior in individuals with autism and Asperger's. Legal assessment issues, such as witness protection and postconviction diagnoses. Legal outcomes for autistic people, including case law, prevention, service provisions in correctional settings, and rights and support systems. The Handbook of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Law is an essential, comprehensive resource that explores the risk for unlawful behaviors affecting autistitc people as victims and perpetrators, as well as related issues of assessment and treatment, and outcome. It is a must-have reference for researchers, clinicians/practitioners, and graduate students in psychology, psychiatry, social work, and law, as well as professionals in such related fields, as criminology/criminal justice and the legal system.