The Efficacy and Acceptability of Interdisciplinary Autism Crisis Response Education with Law Enforcement Officers

• In Event: Police Training: Trauma and Crisis Response

Abstract

The current study explored the efficacy and acceptability of an training model on autism crisis response when delivered to law enforcement officers (LEOs) in interdisciplinary cohorts alongside fire fighters (FFs) and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). A crisis response protocol was developed by interviewing and gathering recommendations on best response approaches from LEOs, EMTs, FF, autistic adults, and autism families, and published best practice guidelines. Per the recommendations of all interview groups, LEOs (n=77) were cross-trained with FF and EMTs (n=80) to enable greater opportunities for professions to understand each others’ differences in response approaches and how to collaborative effectively. Pre-post changes in knowledge, comfort with autism, self-efficacy, and program satisfaction were measured. LEOs reported significant improvements in all measured outcomes and high satisfaction. There were no statistically significant differences between LEOs and other professions in outcomes. Similarly, the training was no more effective based on whether LEO had received previous autism training or a relative with autism. These findings suggest the value of increased cross-training for LEOs, as it provides greater opportunities for professions to discuss how they may use response approaches across responding units. Such consistencies across professions are critical for de-escalating vulnerable populations such as autistic people.

Authors

• Rose Nevill, University of Virginia

• RD Peppy Winchel, Thomas Jefferson Emergency Medical Services Council

• Leah Richardson, University of Virginia

• Katiana Estrada, University of Virginia

• Micah Mazurek, University of Virginia

• Genevieve Lyons, University of Virginia