May 23, 2025
Tips For Interacting With Law Enforcement
By: Shelby Brennan, M.A., TLLP & Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
Introduction:
In recent years, there has been an increase in diagnostic rates of neurodiverse individuals (e.g., individuals with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, etc. [Gardner et al., 2022]). As a result, there is a higher likelihood that these individuals may interact with law enforcement (e.g., police officers) at some point in their lifetime (Gardner et al., 2022). Therefore, there is a need for parents and professionals to discuss law enforcement and how to interact with officers with these individuals.
Reasons Why Neurodiverse Individuals May Interact With Law Enforcement:
According to Gardner et al. (2022), there are several reasons why individuals with autism or other neurodiverse disorders may interact with law enforcement. These reasons include disruptive behaviors, suspected neglect or abuse, non-criminal behaviors, aggressive behaviors (either toward oneself or others), elopement behaviors, involvement in an investigation or being a suspect of a crime, or concerns regarding their mental health (Gardner et al., 2022). It is important to note that this is not an extensive list, and may not be the only reasons why neurodiverse individuals may interact with law enforcement.
How To Talk About Law Enforcement With Children:
As stated previously, there may be many reasons why neurodiverse children or adults interact with law enforcement. Given this, it is important for parents to have tools or an understanding of how to talk to their children about interacting with law enforcement. First and foremost, it is always important to consider your child’s developmental age when determining the appropriateness of the conversations. Once appropriateness is determined, parents should consider aiming for open communication and conversations about law enforcement. This provides parents the opportunity to understand what their children know, what they don’t know, and what questions they may have. This also allows parents to provide crucial information, such as parent or caregiver’s contact information and addresses, which ensures that law enforcement can accurately identify children and help them return to the appropriate person and place (Children’s Hospital of Colorado, n.d.).
When having these conversations, parents can use visuals, such as pictures or videos, to show children what law enforcement workers look like and what they do. Parents can also use social stories to explain and demonstrate appropriate ways to interact with law enforcement or explain the purpose of their job. This can promote open conversations with the chance to discuss social justice issues and their relation to law enforcement (Children’s Hospital of Colorado, n.d.).
Developing a Safety or Emergency Plan:
A proactive strategy for addressing the possibility of interacting with law enforcement is creating a safety or emergency plan (Children’s Hospital of Colorado, n.d.). This plan is a document that contains important information, such as the child’s name, age, and address. Other key information can include a recent picture of the child, phone numbers of parents, caregivers, or other family members, as well as possible triggers for the child or soothing or helpful behaviors when triggers occur (Children’s Hospital of Colorado, n.d.).
Tips For Individuals Interacting With Law Enforcement:
When it comes to children, adolescents, and adults with neurodiversity interacting with law enforcement, there are various strategies that can be followed or incorporated into the interactions. Some helpful tips for the initial interaction include staying calm, speaking calmly, and avoiding behaviors such as running away or hiding (Debbaudt et al., 2022). During the interaction, it may be helpful to provide information from a pre-planned safety plan created (Debbaudt et al., 2022). Additionally, it is important to refrain from touching a police officer or police dog, listen carefully to the questions asked by police officers and provide necessary information, such as your name, contact information, and address, and be truthful whether or not you know an answer (Debbaudt et al., 2022). It is also crucial to know that remaining silent is an option if you feel uncomfortable sharing certain information. Lastly, consider asking for an advocate when needed and using relaxation techniques to manage stress during the interaction (Debbaudt et al., 2022).
Tips & Resources for Parents:
- Meet and Greets
- Community events with local law enforcement
- If I Need Help Resources
- Social Stories
Tips for Current Political Climate:
In the current political climate, there is a lot of uncertainty and fear surrounding law enforcement. Parents and individuals with neurodiversity can benefit from having open conversations that address misinformation while also validating concerns, anxieties, and fears (Marshall, 2025). It’s also important to remember that it is okay to remain silent in situations where you are not comfortable with sharing information (Marshall, 2025). Lastly, connecting with mental health professionals can provide support for managing anxiety and fears, as well as developing a plan for navigating interactions with law enforcement (Marshall, 2025).
Conclusion:
When it comes to interacting with law enforcement, parents of children with neurodiversity and/or individuals with neurodiversity may not know the best ways. This blog provides a short guide on positive resources and strategies for introducing law enforcement to your children and fostering positive interactions.
References:
ABA Centers of Pennsylvania. (2024). Autism and Law Enforcement: Promoting Understanding and Safety Interaction. https://www.abacenterspa.com/blog/autism-and-law-enforcement/
Children’s Hospital of Colorado. (n.d.). Talking to kids with autism about safety and the police. https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/neuroscience-institute/resources-for-families/autism-police/
Debbaudt, D., Sreckovic, M., Kenney, C. (2022). Autism and law enforcement: Strategies for safer interactions. Organization for Autism Research. https://researchautism.org/oaracle-newsletter/autism-and-law-enforcement-strategies-for-safer-interactions/#:~:text=Take%20deep%20breaths%20and%20count,any%20headphones%20I%20can%20wear?%E2%80%9D
Gardner, L., Cederberg, C., Hangauer, J., & Campbell, J. M. (2022). Law enforcement officers’ interactions with autistic individuals: Commonly reported incidents and use of force. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 131. https://doi-org.proxy2.cl.msu.edu/10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104371
Marshall, M. (2025). How to help children cope with stress surrounding deportations and ICE raids. https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/mental-health-stress-children-deportation-ice/
Sreckovic, M. A., Kenney, C. K., Golden, A. M., Hall, R., & Bromley, H. (2024). You don’t know what you don’t know: Intentionally connecting individuals with autism and law enforcement officers to increase safety. Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities Online Journal. 131-146. https://daddcec.com/sites/default/files/2025-01/doj_2024_final.pdf#page=134