I want to introduce a short story during autism awareness month from a member who is not only a police officer but also a parent to an autistic child. This story sheds light on the unique challenges that parents of autistic children face daily. I hope you find this story as inspiring as I did.
Being a police officer is a demanding and challenging job, and being a parent of a young autistic child adds another layer of complexity to one's life. I have experienced first-hand how difficult it can be to balance both roles. It can be a daunting task to care for a child with special needs while also fulfilling my work commitments.
One of the biggest fears that I have as a parent of an autistic child is the uncertainty about their future. Autistic children require different types of care and attention, and it can be challenging to know what the best options are for them as they grow older. While I try to provide the best possible care for my child, I also worry about how they will be treated by others who may not understand their unique needs.
I understand that many people may not be familiar with Autism and how it can manifest itself in behaviour that may appear aggressive or disruptive. It is crucial for myÂ
collegues to recognise the signs of Autism and to approach individuals with Autism with care and understanding. Many autistic individuals may struggle with communication and social interaction, and they may become overwhelmed in stressful situations. This can lead to behaviours that may be misinterpreted as aggressive or dangerous.
For parents of autistic children, maintaining a structured and predictable routine is essential. Autistic children often struggle with changes in their environment or schedule, and unexpected changes can cause significant stress and anxiety.Â
Therefore, I must maintain a rigid schedule to help my son feel secure and comfortable. Any changes to the routine had to be communicated in advance, and we, as parents, had to be prepared to provide additional support and reassurance during transitions.Â
Even small changes, such as a different meal or a change in the route to school, can be challenging for an autistic child. I found it challenging to maintain a consistent routine due to my unpredictable work schedule. Shift work can disrupt my child's sleep and meal times, making it harder for my son to regulate his behaviour and emotions.Â
One of the biggest challenges I faced was ensuring that my child received consistent care and support, even when I was not available. I have to rely on other caregivers, such as family members, friends, or professional caregivers, to provide support.
To maintain a routine, I use visual schedules, social stories, and other visual aids to help my child understand what will happen throughout the day. I also engage in calming activities before bedtime to help my child relax and prepare for sleep.
Police officers must receive training on recognising and responding appropriately to individuals with Autism. This training should include education on the behaviours that may be present in autistic individuals and strategies for de-escalating situations that may become stressful or overwhelming.
As a parent of an autistic child, I want police officers to understand that my child's behaviour is not the result of bad behaviour or a lack of discipline. Instead, it is a manifestation of their unique needs and challenges. I hope that police officers will approach my child with empathy and understanding and take the time to communicate with me and other caregivers to understand my child's needs better.
This guide below aims to provide information about Autism and help police officers and staff who may come into contact with Autistic people meet their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, and Mental Health Act 1983. It can be used as a regular reference, and each chapter can be read separately.