Autistic individuals are 7X more likely to encounter police but are officers prepared?

In this episode, we dive into the urgent need for autism training in law enforcement with Dr. Lyndsy Coffield, a BCBA specializing in police education. From real ride-alongs to key de-escalation tactics, we reveal gaps in police training and their impact on neurodiverse individuals.

- Why are so many police interactions with autistic individuals going wrong?

- What can officers do differently to avoid tragic misunderstandings?

- How can parents & caregivers help prepare for potential encounters?

Learn how small changes in awareness and training can prevent life-altering misunderstandings and improve interactions between law enforcement and the autism community.

If you care about safer communities, better police training, and protecting neurodiverse individuals, don't miss this powerful conversation.

Timestamps:

00:37 Introduction to Dr. Lyndsy Cofield

01:47 The High Interaction Rate Between Autism & Law Enforcement

02:29 Personal Experiences with Law Enforcement & Autism

04:38 Dr. Lyndsy’s Background and Career Journey

07:59 Self-Defense for Women & Fire Arm Training

09:46 Realizing the Need for Autism Training in Police Work

11:35 Ride-Along Experience & Understanding Officer Perspective

14:43 Acknowledging the Challenges of Law Enforcement

16:01 What Bad ABA Looks Like

17:20 How BCBAs Can Get Involved in Police Training

20:58 Key Lessons Learned in the Field

22:03 The Importance of Canine Scent Kits for Missing Individuals

25:34 Apollo Behavior’s Community Initiatives & Police Partnerships

30:38 What ABA & Policing Can Learn from Each Other

33:30 Ideas for Improving Police Training on Autism

34:53 Exposing First Responders to Autistic Individuals

39:53 Favorite Vacation Spot & College Football Rivalry

43:51 Closing Thoughts & Shout Out to Apollo Behavior