Training Equips Law Enforcement to Identify Autism Characteristics

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH — Law enforcement officials in central Ohio are engaging in a distinctive training program aimed at teaching them how to safely and effectively interact with individuals who have autism.

Carrie Gutowski heads up the training session. Her son, Leo, received an autism diagnosis about ten years ago at the age of two.

Gutowski mentioned that individuals with autism often exhibit various behavioral indicators that could potentially be mistaken for warning signals by police officers.

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“A person with autism likely won’t be wearing a shirt that reads, 'I am autistic,' nor will they probably have a bracelet for it,” she explained. “There may not even be a caretaker around to inform you about their condition. Therefore, how would one determine within just a couple of days after extensive tests at Nationwide Children’s Hospital whether someone actually has autism without proper guidance?”

Gutowski anticipates that following the training, officers will be capable of identifying these indicators and modifying their reactions accordingly.

Gutowski is leading the training together with Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy Jon Scowden, whose own child also has autism. They mentioned that they initiated this program approximately nine years ago due to uncertainties about how their children might respond in encounters with law enforcement and concerns over potential reactions from law enforcement officials towards them.

The course instructs officers on identifying behavioral indicators of individuals with autism, such as heightened sensitivity to sound or illumination, difficulties with physical coordination, or challenges in communication.

"Leo welcomes others by saying, 'Ah chew,' as mentioned by Gutowski. Instead of reacting to his unusual salutation—'Why is this boy telling everyone "Ah chew"? This is bizarre!'—they think, 'Oh, right, we were in classes with Carrie and Jon before. Perhaps this is just how this child uniquely greets people,'" he explained.

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mental health experts anticipate that this training will assist officers in calming situations instead of escalating them further.

"This is intended to serve as an additional resource for what they already possess," explained Rhianna Mattis, who serves as the associate director of the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board. "It provides them with extra resources, such as acknowledging a mental health diagnosis or an autism diagnosis, which can help improve understanding." The particular training session was conducted under the auspices of the board.

Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies were present in both Franklin and Delaware counties, along with other emergency responders.

Gutowski mentioned that each time she conducts the training, participants approach her expressing how significant it has been for them and regretting not having known about it earlier.

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The primary focus, genuinely, should be empathy," Gutowski stated. "But not just emotional empathy; rather, a fundamental human instinct for self-preservation. To navigate interactions effectively, one must comprehend another’s perspective and their view of the surrounding environment. What we're advocating is this: 'Officers, try to see things from the viewpoint of someone with autism and enhance your awareness of your immediate surroundings.'

Gutowski mentioned that she has trained thousands of law enforcement officers in central Ohio.

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