Local Law Enforcement Offers Training On How To Respond To Someone With Autism

Many parents raising a child with Autism fear their behavior may easily be misinterpreted as belligerent or dangerous by law enforcement.

“A 200 pound,14-year-old is threatening if you don't realize he has Autism and is just confused or scared or maybe just excited to see you,” said Lisa Graham-Garza. “They won't respond appropriately to commands to be still put your hands up.”

Garza’s son, Tyler, was diagnosed with Autism when he was 22 months old. Although he is now 14 years old, he is developmentally the age of a 7-year-old.

Garza said one of her top concerns is the safety of her son. Recent incidents between law enforcement and those with autism or mentally disabled haven’t helped ease those fears.

But initiatives such as the Crisis Intervention Team at the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office hope to avoid a bad situation from happening. Their training teaches law enforcement how to respond more effectively to situations that may involve someone with autism or mental health issues.

“Just today we worked on de-escalation techniques,” said Lt. Scott Soland. “We've had a couple of guest speakers come in today.”

Soland oversees the intervention team and leads a mental health training for patrol deputies. The nonprofit organization Hope for Three assists with educating deputies and officers.

Their certification course is made up of 40 classroom hours, teaching about mental health conditions and symptoms associated with autism.

“Prior to this training our response to noncompliance was force, said Soland. “So at the point someone didn't respond to our commands, we would close the distance and use force to get that person restrained or detained.”

A lot has changed in the past two years, including their approach.

“We treat officers to treat people with dignity and respect, and approach situations in a calm, cool collected manner,” said Soland. “What we've found with a response like that we have a much better outcome.”

April is Autism Awareness Month.

For more information go to http://www.khou.com