When autism and law enforcement meet
Recent articles
Why autism training for police isn’t enough
Inconsistent and underfunded training programs may hurt more than they help, experts say.
![Illustration shows person talking to boy with autism sitting on the curb while parents or other community members talk to police.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/PoliceTraining844.jpg)
Why autism training for police isn’t enough
Inconsistent and underfunded training programs may hurt more than they help, experts say.
Autism behind bars
Prisons are often ill-equipped to handle autistic inmates, who are at risk for mental health problems and abuse.
![illustration shows isolated figure alone in the prison yard, watching other inmates exercise and socialize.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20201109-Prison844.jpg)
Autism behind bars
Prisons are often ill-equipped to handle autistic inmates, who are at risk for mental health problems and abuse.
Model program could divert some 911 calls from police to mental health professionals
Denver, Colorado, is one of at least eight cities considering an Oregon program to decriminalize and improve the treatment of people with severe mental illness -- while saving the city money.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/copsKHN844.jpg)
Model program could divert some 911 calls from police to mental health professionals
Denver, Colorado, is one of at least eight cities considering an Oregon program to decriminalize and improve the treatment of people with severe mental illness -- while saving the city money.
When autistic people commit sexual crimes
Many first-time sex offenders on the spectrum may not understand the laws they break. How should their crimes be treated?
![Illustration shows man penned in by Police line 'do not cross' yellow tape](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/sexoffenders844.jpg)
When autistic people commit sexual crimes
Many first-time sex offenders on the spectrum may not understand the laws they break. How should their crimes be treated?
Why police need training to interact with people on the spectrum
Encounters between law enforcement and people with autism often go wrong, but some police departments are beginning to train their officers.
![Front of Police station, a statue shows a police officer interacting with a child.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Police844.jpg)
Why police need training to interact with people on the spectrum
Encounters between law enforcement and people with autism often go wrong, but some police departments are beginning to train their officers.
Training first responders to recognize autism may avert tragedies
A lack of training for first responders, combined with the communication difficulties of people with autism, can create dangerous misunderstandings.
![An ambulance and a police car on a city street, lights on.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/20180529-FirstResponders844.jpg)
Training first responders to recognize autism may avert tragedies
A lack of training for first responders, combined with the communication difficulties of people with autism, can create dangerous misunderstandings.
For teens with autism, behavioral issues boost risk of police run-ins
Young people with autism who have psychiatric problems may stand a ninefold greater chance of having an encounter with the police than do others on the spectrum.
![child sitting with face down outside principal's office](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/20180111-Discipline844.jpg)
For teens with autism, behavioral issues boost risk of police run-ins
Young people with autism who have psychiatric problems may stand a ninefold greater chance of having an encounter with the police than do others on the spectrum.
Down by law
A new study finds that Dutch children picked up by the police for minor offenses score higher than controls on a questionnaire measuring traits of autism.
![Young person walking away from the camera.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Minor-844.jpg)
Down by law
A new study finds that Dutch children picked up by the police for minor offenses score higher than controls on a questionnaire measuring traits of autism.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.