Building Bridges: Autism Awareness in Policing

The South Fulton Police Department is arming its officers with knowledge. On Tuesday, members of the department spent the day in a training session focused on how to interact with citizens on the autism spectrum. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that officers are equipped to handle diverse situations with sensitivity and understanding.

It was a day of learning and unlearning for members of the South Fulton Police Department. The training aimed not just to educate but to reshape perceptions and approaches to interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum.

“Learning what to look for when you’re on a call with someone who has autism…how to speak with them…how not to overstimulate them,” South Fulton Police Cpl. Lina Kiene told FOX 5. This insight highlights the importance of understanding the unique needs of individuals with autism during potentially stressful encounters with law enforcement.

The training was taught by a former Atlanta police officer whose son has autism, bringing a personal perspective to the session. Corporal Lina Kiene attended the workshop and emphasized its significance in fostering a culture of understanding within the department.

She said it was a chance to raise awareness about autism among the South Fulton PD ranks and get a better understanding of how to communicate with those on the spectrum. The insights shared during the training sessions are vital for ensuring a respectful and empathetic response from law enforcement.

“A lot of times, we as police officers, we look at people’s body language, we look at what they’re doing…you always want to be a step ahead…I’m gonna be mindful of those things and I know what to look for now,” she told Fox 5. This proactive approach can make a significant difference in how officers interact with individuals on the spectrum, potentially leading to improved outcomes in high-pressure situations.

Kiene said the difference in perception around certain actions, like not making eye contact and attachment to strange objects—both common signs of autism—stood out during the training. These nuances are crucial for officers to understand, as they can help in assessing situations more accurately.

“He brought up an example with a phone, so like if someone is playing with a phone…it’s a way of calming themselves down and being able to self-regulate,” she explained. This understanding of self-soothing behaviors can aid officers in responding appropriately and reducing any potential escalation during encounters.

Metro Atlanta-based mental health therapist Kassie Lee Love also weighed in on the importance of this training. She noted that interacting with police can be a source of anxiety for many of her clients with autism. “That fear of law enforcement or your rights being taken away is something that I often hear clients come in and discuss,” Love told Fox 5. Her perspective underscores the necessity of equipping law enforcement with the tools to engage effectively and empathetically.

She expressed hope for more discussions about developmental and mental health in general, believing that law enforcement agencies hosting training workshops on these topics will lead to less negative interactions in the future. According to a 2021 study by the Boston Medical Center, individuals with developmental disabilities like autism spectrum disorder are seven times more likely to come in contact with police than those without disabilities. This statistic highlights the critical need for initiatives like the South Fulton Police Department’s training, which can bridge the gap between law enforcement and individuals on the autism spectrum.