In The Politics of Autism, I discuss interactions between police and autistic people. Police officers need training to respond appropriately. When they do not, things get out of hand.
Last fall, a police officer in Buckeye, Arizona, abused an autistic teen who was peacefully stimming in a public park.
Last fall, a police officer in Buckeye, Arizona, abused an autistic teen who was peacefully stimming in a public park.
The family of the teen with autism who was injured in Buckeye is seeking $5 million, according to a notice of claim filed with the city of Buckeye.
In a letter to Buckeye Police Department Chief Larry Hall last fall, the family's attorney questioned the officer's training.
"Given the ever-increasing prevalence of autism in today's society, this lack of training and guidance is deeply disturbing," the family said in the letter.
After the incident, the Buckeye Police Department held a mandatory autism awareness training for all personnel, according to the city.ABC15 in Arizona reports:
The officer involved in the incident also underwent crisis intervention training that teaches de-escalation tactics when dealing with vulnerable populations, people with disabilities and those with a mental health diagnosis.
The notice of claim here.
