Coventry Police Get Autism Awareness Training

COVENTRY, RI — Coventry police got some useful training in autism awareness, with retired Norwood Police Lt. Martin Baker, whose son has autism leading instruction. One in 59 children has been identified as on the autism spectrum, Baker said in the training.

There were over 50 Coventry police officers at the training, according to Coventry Police Colonel John MacDonald.

"Use calm, straight forward language...be aware of personal space...careful how you approach a person you suspect is Autistic," Baker said, according to the department's Facebook post.

Baker outlined the wide array of possibilities when police encounter a person with autism, including that some don't like to be touched, sirens bother some, and other tips to help police ensure they deal with each individual in a way that will work for everybody.

"We hope for parents of autistic children are encouraged by this effort to raise autism awareness. We urge parents and caregivers to communicate early and often with emergency service providers so they are aware and better prepared on how best to approach and handle their children or adults on emergency calls," Col. MacDonald said.

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