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.

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 trainings for law enforcement are increasing across the nation. A variety of methods are used to educate law enforcement on useful and effective tools in aiding an individual with autism spectrum disorder. Law enforcement officers engaging and using knowledge-based skills when interacting with an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder has the potential to save lives, develop positive relationships, and improve high-stress situations. This systematic literature review analyzes the training characteristics and results from each reported training to determine a pattern of understanding and to outline future research areas. A total of 27 trainings were reported and the results are discussed. Moving forward, data collection pre and post training is essential to determine the most effective methods of teaching law enforcement officers to engage with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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.

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.

All I want is someone to care, to know, to understand. And maybe, for a brief moment, I will be free... Finding Kansas is a memoir like no other, written by an unlikely author who at first never dreamed he would find even one reader. When he was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at age 20, Aaron Likens began to collect his thoughts and experiences on paper-the highs, the lows, the challenges, and the unexpected joys. What he found was hope -- not only for himself, but also for others with Asperger's. Now a sought-after speaker and blogger, he is passionate about sharing his insights into this often misunderstood condition. Aaron has another passion, too: the world of auto racing. A successful flag man at racing events across the country, Aaron calls racing his Kansas-a place where he feels safe, confident, and normal. For others on the autism spectrum, Kansas might be trains, history, or the weather. It is here where, like Aaron, they find freedom, and the possibility for growth and change Finding Kansas brings us into Aaron's world and, in the process, offers a richly observed, deeply thoughtful, and sometimes painful picture of what it's like to live on the autism spectrum.

This is a practical guide for police officers and other first responders written by an autistic retired policeman, designed to demystify autistic behaviours and improve the treatment of autistic people caught up in the criminal justice system. Police officers and other emergency services are the first to arrive at the scene of an incident and it is vital they can recognise autistic behaviours and respond accordingly to avoid any escalation. This book lays out how to identify whether someone could be autistic and how officers can interact with them effectively and sensitively. Based on the author's many years of experience as a police officer it covers common scenarios such as stop and search, restraint and transportation, interviews and detention. For each potential encounter the book provides strategies, examples and tips to assist police in interacting safely and fairly with autistic people. In addition to police interactions, the book explains how to best respond to and assist autistic people through the Criminal Justice System and beyond.