PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The Pennsylvania State Police are offering a new resource for individuals with autism to enhance their interactions with law enforcement officers.
The state police have developed an informational card that should be carried by people with autism and presented during any encounter with police.
The informational cards alert law enforcement officers that the individual has autism and, therefore, may be nonverbal, bothered by loud noises, hyper-sensitive to touch, and unresponsive to commands or questions. The officers are directed to be patient, use a calm and direct voice, and keep their questions and commands simple.
“Behaviors associated with autism can cause barriers to effective communication. This card can be presented to reduce those barriers," said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “When an officer is made aware a person has autism, they can respond accordingly, resulting in a safer interaction for everyone involved."
Col. Paris and Gov. Josh Shapiro met with advocates to talk about how law enforcement can better serve individuals with autism.
Individuals may print the card from the website and carry it in a wallet, or they can choose to save it on their phone.
Troopers will also distribute the cards at public community events.
The PSP encourages individuals with autism to present the informational card during interactions with any police officer.
The informational card can be downloaded for free HERE.
