How Caregivers Should Interact with Police
What if police want to talk to my child?
Police are learning how to properly address those individuals with Autism or other Intellectual/Developmental Differences. They are told to assume intelligence & competency when approaching all individuals. If your loved one does not use verbal communication, please let the officer know which method of communication is most effective.
Can I stay with my child when they are being interviewed?
Yes. Tell the officer your role as caregiver or parent and offer assistance. Officers are taught to ask the caregiver for the best way to communicate or calm the individual. This is your chance to explain triggers, treats or calming toys.
What if my child wanders/elopes?
ALWAYS, call police first! Every minute counts when a child elopes or wanders and one person cannot cover as much ground searching, as a team of trained officers or K9's.
When I panic, I can't put two thoughts together?
Yes, we all do! Have a First Responder Form filled out and handy in the home. Include contact numbers, behaviors to watch for, height, weight, favorite toys or treats that the officer could use with your child. It's also important for officers to know fears, triggers and favorite activities; water, bikes, playgrounds, or a neighbor's house.
My child wants to approach police, but I don't want to bother them when they are working.
Let your child address all officers they see. Their interactions with as many officers as possible, allows police to learn about communication styles, physical traits or certain language might use. They can open the conversation by showing officers their medical ID bracelet and shaking hands. They want to know about your child, as much as you want them to know how to interact.
Information provided is a compilation from MCPD, Pathfinders for Autism, and Jenn & Jake's own personal experiences.
Police are learning how to properly address those individuals with Autism or other Intellectual/Developmental Differences. They are told to assume intelligence & competency when approaching all individuals. If your loved one does not use verbal communication, please let the officer know which method of communication is most effective.
Can I stay with my child when they are being interviewed?
Yes. Tell the officer your role as caregiver or parent and offer assistance. Officers are taught to ask the caregiver for the best way to communicate or calm the individual. This is your chance to explain triggers, treats or calming toys.
What if my child wanders/elopes?
ALWAYS, call police first! Every minute counts when a child elopes or wanders and one person cannot cover as much ground searching, as a team of trained officers or K9's.
When I panic, I can't put two thoughts together?
Yes, we all do! Have a First Responder Form filled out and handy in the home. Include contact numbers, behaviors to watch for, height, weight, favorite toys or treats that the officer could use with your child. It's also important for officers to know fears, triggers and favorite activities; water, bikes, playgrounds, or a neighbor's house.
My child wants to approach police, but I don't want to bother them when they are working.
Let your child address all officers they see. Their interactions with as many officers as possible, allows police to learn about communication styles, physical traits or certain language might use. They can open the conversation by showing officers their medical ID bracelet and shaking hands. They want to know about your child, as much as you want them to know how to interact.
Information provided is a compilation from MCPD, Pathfinders for Autism, and Jenn & Jake's own personal experiences.
The World According to Jake® and Empowering Autism Caregivers LLC.,® are owned and operated solely by Jenn Lynn.
For writing or appearances via email [email protected]
For writing or appearances via email [email protected]
