What autistic adults experience during police encounters

You might have special problems when you encounter police as an autistic person. Many autistic adults report that police stop and question them frequently.

This occurs because police often do not understand their actions, particularly in autism and police encounters.

• People feel nervous, upset, and scared when police stop them for no clear reason.
• Police can perceive autistic adults as victims, witnesses, suspects, or missing individuals.

Understanding these stories helps you realize why improved police encounters are essential.

Key Takeaways

• Autistic adults often feel nervous when they meet police. This happens because police may not understand their actions.
• Many autistic people do not tell police about their autism. This can make things confusing for everyone. It is important to talk clearly. Police should use easy words and wait for answers. Crisis intervention teams can help people feel less worried.
• They can make police meetings go better. Having an autism ID card or wearing a sunflower lanyard helps police know your needs. Getting ready is important.
• Practice what you will say and know your rights before meeting police. Trust between autistic people and police needs good training and help from the community. Good experiences with kind police can make meetings safer and more respectful.

Autism and police encounters

Common situations

You might meet police in many different ways. These meetings can happen for many reasons. Police may come to you because of disruptive behavior or suspected abuse.

Sometimes, you might wander away from a safe place. This is called elopement. You could also see police if you are a victim of crime or just doing something normal. Sometimes, police talk to you in a positive way.

• Disruptive behavior
• Suspected abuse or neglect
• Elopement (wandering)
• Noncriminal behavior
• Being a victim of crime
• Positive interactions with law enforcement

Police often stop people when they see something unusual. You might get stopped for walking alone or acting differently.

If you do not answer in a usual way, police may notice. These stops can be confusing or scary. You might not know why police want to talk to you.

Routine stops

Police may stop you for small reasons. You could be walking, sitting, or moving in a way that stands out. Officers sometimes do not understand your actions. They may think you are suspicious, even if you are not. This can lead to more questions or even a search.

Emergency calls

You might meet police during emergencies. Someone may call for help if you are upset or lost. If you have trouble talking, police may come to help.

Police want to keep everyone safe. Sometimes, you need help because you feel anxious or overwhelmed. It is important to communicate clearly in these moments.

Initial reactions

When you see police, you may feel anxious right away. Your heart may beat fast, and you might have trouble talking.

Many autistic adults feel strong emotions during these times. Anxiety can make it hard to answer or follow directions.

• About 20% of people with autism will meet police at some point.
• At least 5% will be arrested by age 21.
• 18% of autistic adults have been arrested.

Anxiety

You may feel nervous or scared when police come near. Emotional dysregulation and high anxiety can lead to police encounters. You might find it hard to stay calm or explain yourself. These feelings can make things harder for you and for police.

Sensory overload

Sensory overload is also common. Loud sounds, bright lights, and crowds can feel too much. Up to 96% of autistic adults have sensory processing differences.

These differences can make police meetings uncomfortable or scary. You may cover your ears, look away, or move from bright lights.

Police officers may not understand these actions. They might think you are ignoring them or being aggressive. This can make things more risky.

You face more risks during autism and police encounters. Social challenges and health needs can make police meetings more likely.

You may get random checks or questions because you act differently. These meetings can happen when you need help, when you are a victim, or just living your life.

Misunderstandings

Misunderstandings happen a lot with autism and police. Police officers may not get how you talk or act. This can make things confusing and risky.

Communication differences

Police want people to answer in certain ways. You might use words differently or answer in ways that seem odd. Officers may think you are not helping them.

Literal language

You might take words exactly as they are said. If an officer says, “Can you step out of the car?” you might say “Yes” but not move. Police expect you to get out right away. This can confuse them.

• You might find talking hard. This makes it tough to speak with police.
• You may need help from someone to know what police mean.
• Police may not know you take words literally. This can make them judge you wrongly.
• Officers may think you are rude or difficult when you are just being honest.

Police often want you to understand hints. You may not do this, which can make officers upset.

Eye contact

You may not look at police when you talk. Police may think you are lying or nervous. You might just feel better looking away.

• Officers want you to look at them when talking.
• Not making eye contact can make police think you are hiding something.
• Courtroom people may also judge you for this.
• You may show less feeling when you talk, which can cause more confusion.

Many officers do not know that not making eye contact is normal for autistic people. This can make them treat you unfairly.

Behavior misinterpretation

Your actions may look different than what police expect. Officers may not get why you move or talk in certain ways. They may think you are acting strange.

Stimming

You might flap your hands, rock, or repeat movements. These help you stay calm or handle stress. Police may see these and think you are upset or dangerous.

• Officers may not know stimming is normal for autistic people.
• Police may think these moves mean you are angry or aggressive.
• Many officers do not have training about neurodiversity, which can make things worse.

Stimming helps you deal with sensory overload. Police may not understand and react too strongly.

Delayed response

You may need more time to answer questions. Stress or too much noise can slow you down. Police may think you are ignoring them or not helping.

Stimming and slow answers can confuse police. They may think you are not listening or trying to avoid them. This can make things more tense.

Police work is stressful and can make it harder for you to follow directions or answer fast. Officers may yell or use force, which can make you more anxious.

• Police may think you are lying or not believable, even if you tell the truth.
• Misunderstandings can cause big problems for you.
• Better ways to talk and more officer training can help stop these issues.
• Many experts want ID systems and autism training for police to make things better.

You face extra problems with autism and police. Misunderstandings about how you talk and act can put you in danger. Training and learning can help police treat you more fairly and safely.

Emotional impact

Stress and trauma

Short-term effects

You can feel very stressed after meeting police. Your heart might beat fast. Your hands could shake a lot. It may be hard to talk or answer questions.

Many autistic adults feel panic or get confused at these times. Loud sounds and bright lights can make you feel worse. Crowds can also make you feel overwhelmed.

You might want to leave or cover your ears. Some people cry or freeze because they do not know what will happen.

Police encounters can cause strong anxiety. You might feel unsafe or think people do not understand you. These feelings can last for hours or days.

Long-term effects

Stress from meeting police can stay for a long time. You may remember the event for years. Some autistic adults get trauma after hard meetings with police.

You might stay away from places or people that remind you of it. Nightmares and trouble sleeping can happen. You may feel nervous when you see police cars or hear sirens. Over time, these feelings can hurt your health and happiness.

Trust issues

Reluctance to seek help

You may not trust police after a bad experience. Many autistic adults do not want to ask for help. They worry police will not listen or believe them.

Some people feel police do not support them in interviews. You may find it hard to answer questions or share your story. This can make you avoid calling police, even when you need help.

• Autistic individuals have more trouble understanding interview questions than others.
• You may feel more anxious during police interviews.
• Many autistic adults think interviews are less supportive, which can lead to distrust.

Isolation

Trust problems can make you feel alone. You may stay away from police and other helpers. Some autistic adults feel lonely because they do not know who to trust.

You might not talk about your experiences. This can make it hard to get help or share important details. Sometimes, you may not report things that could prove you are innocent. You may also find it hard to tell a clear story in interviews.

• Autistic individuals often give less clear stories in interviews.
• You may not notice or report details that help your case.
• Feeling alone can grow when you feel misunderstood or not supported.

Building trust takes time. You need help and understanding from police and your community. Better training and awareness can make autism and police encounters better for everyone.

Real-life stories

You can learn from real-life stories about police and autistic adults. These stories show what can go well or badly. Supportive officers can help a lot. Misunderstandings can cause problems.

Positive encounters

Supportive officers

Some police officers know how to help autistic adults. They use special training and skills. You may feel safer when officers understand autism. Crisis intervention teams often help in these situations. They work to keep everyone calm and safe.

• Crisis intervention teams lower the chance of injury for you and officers.
• These teams help more people stay out of jail and get support.
• Fewer lawsuits happen when crisis teams handle incidents.
• Police liaison officers know about autism. They teach other officers how to respond better.

You might meet an officer who listens and gives you time to answer. These officers do not rush you. They ask clear questions and wait for your response. You feel respected and less nervous.

“The officer talked slowly and let me explain. I felt heard and not judged. I was not scared.”

Effective communication

Good communication can make things better. Officers who know about autism use simple words. They avoid loud noises and bright lights. You may get help from a support person or family member. Officers may use calm voices and clear instructions.

You may leave feeling confident and understood.

Negative encounters

Escalation

Not every police meeting goes well. Some officers do not know about autism. High anxiety can make you act differently. Officers may see this as suspicious. They might raise their voices or move closer. You may feel trapped or scared.

• Emotional distress often happens in these situations.
• Trouble talking can make you more at risk.
• High anxiety may look like you are hiding something. This can make officers act more forcefully.

You may freeze or not answer fast. Officers may think you are ignoring them. This can make things worse.

“I could not talk. The officer thought I was not helping. I felt panic and fear.”

Safety concerns

Safety is a big problem when misunderstandings happen. You may feel unsafe in custody. Bright lights and loud sounds can overwhelm you. Officers may not know how to help you. You may not get the support you need.

• Bad experiences can stop you from asking for help later.
• You may feel alone and scared after a bad meeting.

Real-life stories show both hope and risk. Supportive officers and good communication help you feel safe. Misunderstandings and lack of training can lead to fear and danger. Learning from these stories helps you know what to expect and how to get help.

Influencing factors

Police training

Police training changes how officers act with you. Training helps officers learn about autism. It teaches them how to keep everyone safe.

Autism-specific programs

Autism-specific training gives officers tools to help autistic people. These programs use real-life examples and tips for talking. Officers also learn about sensory needs. When officers join these programs, they feel ready to help.

• 74.6% of officers say they use what they learn.
• 81.2% think the training fits law enforcement needs.
• 85.8% would tell other officers to take the training.
• Officers feel they know more and can help autistic people.
• Many officers feel sure about using what they learned.

A good autism-specific training program has important parts:

When officers learn from autistic people and experts, they understand you better. This helps make police encounters safer and more respectful.

General awareness

General awareness training teaches all officers about disabilities. This includes autism. Officers learn basic facts and signs to watch for. They also learn how to talk clearly.

Officers who get this training can see when someone needs help. They use simple words and give you more time. General awareness helps stop confusion and keeps people safe.

Community context

Where you live changes your experience with police. Cities and rural places have different resources and problems.

Urban vs. rural

Cities often have more programs and trained officers. Urban police have bigger budgets and more autism training.

You may see more crisis teams and community help. Rural areas may not have as many resources. Officers there may not get much training. You might need help from family or local groups.

Support resources

Support resources help a lot during police encounters. Many places have programs to help you and your family feel safe.

• Special Needs Awareness Programs let you sign up with police so they know how to help.
• Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) help in emergencies with autistic people.
• Online guides from Autism Speaks and Pathfinders for Autism give safety tips.
• Smart911 lets you share important info with first responders before an emergency.
• PRAGNYA and other groups teach and support neurodiverse people.

Using these resources helps you get ready for police encounters. It also helps officers know what you need.

Improving outcomes

Training initiatives

Crisis teams

Crisis teams help you when police encounters are stressful. These teams have officers and mental health experts. They know how to support people with autism.

Crisis teams use calm voices and gentle actions. They give you space if you feel overwhelmed. They avoid loud noises and bright lights. This helps you feel safe and less worried.

• Crisis teams lower the chance of injury.
• They help you get support instead of going to jail.
• Officers learn to see signs of autism and respond kindly.

Crisis teams work with your family and support staff. They listen to what you need and respect your feelings. You can trust them to help you in emergencies.

Workshops

Workshops teach officers about autism. You might join these events and share your story. Officers learn to use clear and simple words. They practice ways to keep things calm. They learn why you may act differently. Workshops suggest you carry autism ID cards or wear medical bracelets. This helps officers know about your condition quickly.

“At the RCAAS Community Center, RUPD officers and students with autism met. Captain Matthew Gulsby said the training is about understanding. ‘The more students tell us about themselves and their challenges, the better we can help.'”

Workshops also let officers learn from experts and autistic people. You can share your story and teach officers what helps you feel safe.

Partnerships

Autism organizations

Police work with autism organizations to make encounters better. These partnerships create training for officers. You benefit from programs that teach police how to talk with you. Autism organizations help police understand sensory needs and behavior differences.

• Training teaches officers to use clear language.
• Officers learn calming strategies and how to give you space.
• You are encouraged to use ID cards or bracelets.

Some groups help make official training for police. Rutgers wants to expand its training to other departments and first responders.

1. Training models help officers learn best ways to help.
2. Working with other departments spreads knowledge and support.

Education campaigns

Education campaigns help police learn about autism. These programs protect your safety and build understanding. Many campaigns get support from the U.S. Department of Justice.

• Programs teach officers to be caring and sensitive.
• You learn how to get ready for safe meetings with police.
• Strategies help keep you safe during emergencies.

The Just Policing program gives disability awareness training to officers. It helps police understand people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These efforts help with high rates of victimization in your community.

Education campaigns and partnerships make police encounters safer for you. You feel more confident, and officers learn how to help you better.

Practical tips

For officers

Communication

You help make police encounters safer for autistic adults. Using clear and simple words helps everyone understand. Speak in a calm voice. Use short sentences. Do not use extra words.

Give instructions one at a time. If you need to repeat, do it patiently. Pictures or written notes can help explain things. Give extra time for the person to think and answer.

Use direct words. Say “Please show me your ID” instead of “Can you get your ID for me?”

A table can help you remember what to do:

De-escalation

You can stop things from getting worse by using de-escalation steps. Walk up calmly and do not move fast. Give space if the person looks overwhelmed.

A calm voice helps with sensory overload. If they need more time, wait. Step back a little to help them feel safe. Watch your body language and keep your hands where they can see.

• Walk up slowly and clearly.
• Do not use loud noises or bright lights.
• Give space and time for answers.
• Use pictures or notes if needed.
• Learn about new laws or rules.

Staying calm can help keep everyone safe.

For autistic adults

Self-advocacy

You can help yourself during police encounters. Tell officers about your autism when you feel safe. Carry a medical ID or wear a sunflower lanyard to show your needs.

Use cards or key phrases to explain if you need help. Ask for things like more time to answer or a quiet place. If you can, have someone you trust with you.

• Say who you are early.
• Use simple words to share your needs.
• Ask for special help.
• Get help from someone you trust.

You can ask for support and clear words.

Preparation

You can get ready for police encounters before they happen. Learn your rights and practice what to say. Go to community events to meet local officers.

Carry cards or notes to help you talk. Keep your hands where officers can see them. Do not move suddenly. Practice deep breathing to stay calm if you feel stressed.

• Do not run away; stay still and calm.
• Keep your hands where officers can see them.
• Use deep breaths to help with anxiety.
• Meet your local police.
• Wear something that shows your needs.

Getting ready can help you feel more safe and confident during police encounters.

You have special risks when you meet police as an autistic adult. Confusion and worry can make these times tough. Kindness and good training help officers help you. Working with your community builds trust and keeps people safe.

• Find out about autism and police meetings.
• Ask for better training where you live.
• Tell your story so others learn.

You can help make police meetings safer for everyone. Learning and support really help.

 

FAQ

What should you do if police stop you and you feel anxious?

You can take deep breaths and try to stay calm. Tell the officer you have autism. Use simple words. Show your medical ID or autism card if you have one. Ask for extra time to answer questions.

How can you let police know about your autism?

You can carry an autism ID card or wear a sunflower lanyard. You can say, “I am autistic.” You can ask for help or a quiet space. You can show a note or card that explains your needs.

Why do police sometimes misunderstand your actions?

Police may not know about autism. They might think stimming or avoiding eye contact means you are nervous or hiding something. Training helps officers understand these behaviors are normal for autistic people.

What resources help you prepare for police encounters?

You can use Smart911 to share your information with first responders. Autism organizations offer safety guides. Crisis Intervention Teams can help during emergencies. You can attend community events to meet local officers.

Can you ask for a support person during a police interview?

Yes, you can ask for a trusted person to be with you. This person can help you feel safe and explain your needs. You can also ask for breaks or extra time to answer questions.

What should you avoid during a police encounter?

You should avoid sudden movements. Keep your hands visible. Do not run away. Try not to raise your voice. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for a quiet space or more time.

How can police improve encounters with autistic adults?

Police can use clear language and calm voices. Training helps officers learn about autism. Crisis teams and autism organizations teach officers how to support you. Officers can give you extra time and space.

Practice what to say and carry an autism ID card. This helps you feel ready and safe.