Autism Recognition, Navigation and Strategies: A short course for law enforcement personnel

Course Description

In today’s diverse communities, law enforcement officers are increasingly likely to encounter individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This short course equips officers with essential knowledge and practical tools to recognize, understand, and effectively respond to individuals with ASD across the lifespan. By the end of this course, officers will be better prepared to navigate interactions with individuals with ASD, fostering safer outcomes and stronger community trust.

Course modules:

• HANDS overview: About HANDS in Autism®
• Course introduction
  • Autism vs Autism spectrum disorder
  • Disability language etiquette
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Core diagnostic characteristics
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Characteristics, strategies, and supports
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in facts and figures
• The path ahead: Ways to enhance supports and be involved looking forward

Course Objectives

Learners in this course will:

• Recognize observable signs of ASD across the lifespan
• Understand the 2 core diagnostic characteristics of ASD
• Learn practical strategies specific to core ASD characteristics
• Know the 4 functions of behavior
• Apply the functions and strategies to scenarios
• Become aware of the statistics and factors that increase the likelihood that officers will interact with individuals with ASD