Consider this: the Center for Disease Control estimates 1 in 150 births currently are on the autism spectrum and possibly still rising. 3 out of 4 are male. Half are nonverbal or profoundly verbally limited. They are seven times more likely to encounter the police and at least three times more likely to be victims of violent and/or sexual crimes. 4 out of 5 police calls will involve unusual or dangerous, not criminal, behaviors that will often be difficult to manage or interpret. Two out of 5 will be prone to seizures, and a good deal of them will be hypotonic (low-muscle-tone), making them prone to positional asphyxia and musculoskeletal injuries. To top it all off, many of them will appear to be oblivious to pain, while others will shrink, as if in pain (perhaps real pain), to your slightest touch.
See Article from PoliceOne.com (Part 1 intro, Part 2 list of 28 suggestions)
Fabulous article. Great suggestions for anyone, not just law enforcement personnel. I’m extremely impressed that the police attempting to make themselves more aware and understanding of autism.
Filed under: Great Things | Tagged: 28 suggestions, autism, hints, legal
I’m impressed too!
Cheers