Crisis Services
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
As a police offer, you may encounter individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in your daily activities. ASD describes a group of brain disorders that affect social interactions, communication, and other behaviors. It’s important to remember that every individual with ASD is unique. However, there are some symptom presentations that individuals with ASD may exhibit. This guide provides some of the most common presentations of ASD with suggestions on how you can safely respond as a police officer.
Individuals with autism may not like to be touched:
Individuals with autism may avoid eye contact:
Individuals with autism may engage in repetitive behavior (flapping, flicking, pacing or rocking):
Individuals with autism may not respond when you call their name:
Individuals with autism may struggle to follow directions, this is not defiance:
Individuals with autism may have heightened anxiety, especially in an unfamiliar place or situation:
Individuals with autism may not be able to communicate verbally:
Individuals with autism may have a heightened or lowered sense of danger:
Individuals with autism may wander/elope and be drawn to water:
Individuals with autism may have a heightened sensory experience (sound, light, touch):
Individuals with autism may not be able to tell you they are hurt:
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.