Law enforcement agencies including State Police get training in dealing with those with autism
Law enforcement officials from local, state, and federal agencies gathered at State Police barracks at Logan International Airport this morning to learn more about autism and how to effectively handle situations involving children and adults living with the disorder.
“In order to best serve those families who have children on the autism spectrum, we need to understand the characteristics of the condition as well as how best to communicate with a child who is living with autism,’’ State Police spokesman David Procopio said.
The training, organized by the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition — or ALEC — and led in part by Quincy Police Officer Roger White, offered guidance on what officers can do when an autistic child wanders off or is involved in a domestic disturbance.
“It gives officers the tools they need and a reminder to perhaps evaluate the situation before you go to the next level,’’ White said. “Officers still have to keep their training in mind, but you don’t know what the situation is until you evaluate it and then proceed.’’
Bill Cannata, project manager for ALEC, said the training began in 2003 when a group of parents of children with autism raised concerns that first responders may not know how to best interact with their children.
“We teach them how to manage a person with autism, to deal with any behaviors, how to stand back, recognize it, and take different approaches than they may be trained to do,’’ he said.
Sergeant Jay Staples said the training is especially important for the troopers of Troop F at Logan, where he has been stationed for 17 years.
“If you get called to a situation at a checkpoint or a gate, everyone is nervous anyway, so what better way to train troopers and TSA agents about a better way to handle such situations,’’ he said. “It makes it easier for everybody.’’
State Police troopers, officers from Mansfield and Fairhaven, and authorities from the Transportation Security Administration attended the session.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in every 88 children has an autism spectrum disorder.
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