Registering Special Needs Kids With Police Could Be a Lifesaver

on January 12, 2012 at 3:41 PM

police It's a fear for every parent of a special needs child: what happens if you aren't there to speak for your child in an emergency situation? Will emergency responders understand your kid has a condition that requires special attention? Prepare for a surprisingly simple answer.

What if there was a registry you could add your child to, so emergency responders would know who they were dealing with? It's just what parents in one area of Canada have done for children on the autism spectrum. They voluntarily sign their child up to be on the list, and they say they're relieved that their kid's name is flagged if police are called out to respond to a situation.

It makes a lot of sense for kids with autism. For many of them, the noise of a siren and the flashing lights of a police car or ambulance will trigger their discomfort. And depending on where they fall on the spectrum, their behavior can be mistaken by someone who isn't aware of their condition as inappropriate or even violent.

We've seen some horrific treatment of kids on the spectrum in recent years from people who could not grasp that an autistic child can't be expected to act like other kids in their age range -- everything from pepper spraying to kids being handcuffed and thrown into psychiatric wards by cops for outbursts beyond their control.

But if we could start something like this in America, I see a need to take it a step beyond autism. What if it was for all kids with a special need? Kids whose parents can't be with them 24/7 -- whether it's because the kids go to school or because accidents happen.

Fans of Switched at Birth, a teen hit that's striking a chord in the special needs community for featuring two deaf teens as main characters, saw just this week what can happen when cops don't know a child has a special need. With the bright lights of a squad car shining in his eyes, deaf teen Emmett Bledsoe couldn't see to read the lips of police officers who were trying to talk to him ... and of course he couldn't read them. The cliffhanger ending showed us Emmett being arrested, ostensibly for failing to cooperate with the cops. What a difference something like this could have made.

As long as this was voluntary -- you didn't HAVE to sign your kid up -- would you consider this a help for your family?

Image via JD Mack/Flickr

About the author Jeanne Sager

writes articles for The Stir by day, slays closet monsters and bounds through bedtime stories with her elementary schooler by night. Diet Pepsi courses through her veins. The Phineas and Ferb soundtrack reverberates through her brain.

Filed Under: autism, special needs

Comments (10)

Nonmember comment from Sara

on Jan 12, 2012 at 4:07 PM

LOVE this idea! I also think police need more training regarding autism in particular, as well as other disabilities. But unless they have been in many such situations, even with training they may not recognize or differentiate the behaviors they are seeing. This way they would know walking in, great idea.

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Maevelyn

on Jan 12, 2012 at 4:43 PM

Umm... check to make sure your state doenst have any forced sterilization laws that some nut can have enforced using the volentary list.

Nonmember comment from Amanda

on Jan 12, 2012 at 7:54 PM

I love this idea. I have a child that is being tested for being on the autism spectrum and another child that has cp I always worried about being in a wreck and not being able to tell the ems that my kid isnt doesnt have any motor skills and the other has light sensitivity issues that could cause him to have a meltdown i also have a child that is allergic to penicillin but im looking into getting a medical braclet for him. This idea would take a huge worry i have off my shoulders.

Char_gal4

on Jan 13, 2012 at 2:24 AM

I currently carry in my wallet a laminated card/folder my dad made for me. It has, "AUTISM ALERT", my name in black with "I have Asperger's Syndrome, a form of Autism" under it, and "I MAY NOT RESPOND TO VERBAL COMMANDS" Inside is a list of emergency numbers, and the medications I'm on. I've trained myself in shut downs/panic attacks to get out this card. I've even pointed (as I cannot talk in these states) out a preferred phone number. I've done this in college, in class. I also make it known that I have it first day of class, and hang it on my volunteer tag at the animal shelter.

If you or your child can get into a "safe mode" during a shut down or panic attack, it's a good habit to get into. "Safe Mode" is when I am only able to do the bare minimum to "survive" and end the episode, such as getting up and walking, drinking water, or silently point out my needs.

kimmaynard2

on Jan 13, 2012 at 10:37 AM

The PD and FD in our community do this already for those that have disabilites as well as those with dementia or other diseases that would cause an individual to wander or the like. I think it is a great idea . More communities need to do this ! We also have our son's State ID with us at all times. I also keep a current meds list, list of his diagnosis and hospitalizations in all our vehicles also with a copy of his State ID card in the event of an accident or other incident.

Millie59

on Jan 13, 2012 at 11:27 AM

In my opionion, it should be for everyone with a disability. My son carries a card the autism center gave him. My fear is he carries it in his wallet, by that time, a policeofficer might of shot my son. For my son, he was in a car accident , just a fender bender. He was stimming big time. When he called I said take out your card. The PO, had an autistic cousin and picked it up right away. He showed her the card and she was able to calm down. She kept telling him breathe slowly, you are not in trouble, it is going to get taken care of by me, I am here to protect you. He calmed down, by the time I got to the fender bender,

the Policeofficer had everything under control. I asked the Police Dept. if they had any ideas as to how to inform police officer that someone had a disability when they approach their car?? They don't. To have a data base for our kids would be fantastic. It would help ease some of the worries and fear we all have about our kids.

CPN322

on Jan 13, 2012 at 12:52 PM

This sounds like a great idea!

Nonmember comment from CITOfficer

on Jan 14, 2012 at 6:38 PM

Many US states already have this in place. When you call 911 the info is immediately given to officers. It can range from diagnosis, behavioral issues to docs contact info. Many states have Crisis Intervention Officers(CIT) who are specially trained to respond to mental health crisis and autism. Call your local police agency and ask them if they have CIT officers.

Nonmember comment from KittyOz

on Jan 16, 2012 at 10:00 PM

I find it quite disturbing that a few people on thus blog are fearful of Police. Police will only use force as a last resort. In a community, most Police will know who the usual suspects are. If your child has an episode, the Police will do their best to sort the situation without force. I like the card carrying idea.

Nonmember comment from deb

on Jan 16, 2012 at 10:55 PM

I've been meaning to call our local sheriff and FD to see if they keep a list just in case we have an issue, they will know how to respond. You've lit the fire again. Putting it on my calendar to do tomorrow.