June 30, 2024: CBS Philadelphia : Advocates share concerns after Pennsylvania State Police roll out new autism cards
To help officers interact with people who have autism, Pennsylvania State Police launched a new "autism cards" initiative. The idea is that when officers are presented with the brightly colored cards, they slow down and interact with individuals differently. But autism advocates say while it might be a good idea for some people, not every person with autism will respond the same way.
VIDEO: Mother, Jamie Upshaw: The individual most of the time is in fight or flight. My baby’s going to run, not because he did something wrong, because he’s scared.
Reporter: Many with autism that police could not understand or misinterpret what they say or how they behave.
…this new card should give an officer pause.
Police: An individual with autism may present to law enforcement as perhaps something that the trooper or officer many mistake as being disobedient or willingly not listening to instruction.
Reporter: A bright, colorful card that simply reads, ‘I have autism. My name is blank,’ along with some reminders for law enforcement.
Police: Some of those include, ‘loud noises may bother me,’ ‘using calm and direct voice,’ ‘please keep verbal commands simple,’ OR ‘I may not respond to verbal commands.’
Jamie Upshaw said that she thinks more thought should go into this.
Reporter: Right now anyone can simply print one of these cards of the PA state troopers website and put it their wallet or vehicle.
The question of HOW police would react to the card was asked.
Police: If one of our trooper is presented with this card, it’s really going to tell them, hey, slow things down, take a step back, follow some of the tips on this card to best open up that dialog with individuals.
Anchor: Pennsylvania state troopers, they are working to spread the word to all law enforcement across the state. Again, it is not required of people with autism. . . .
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