U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Law Enforcement Guide for Working with Children with Autism, Intellectual and Communication Disabilities

NCJ Number
234583
Author(s)
Scott J. Modell Ph.D.; Marcie Davis M.S.
Date Published
2010
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This guide provides law enforcement personnel with practical tips for communicating with individuals who have autism, intellectual, and communication disabilities.
Abstract
Research supports that the risk of victimization is likely increased if the offender believes that the victim will not be able to successfully or credibly tell anyone about the crime. When individuals with autism, intellectual, and communication disabilities become victims of crime, communicating effectively with these individuals can present challenges to law enforcement, especially in a crisis situation when the need to communicate effectively is critical. A law enforcement officer's general lack of understanding of and ability to communicate with individuals with disabilities puts those individuals at greater risk. The ability for law enforcement personnel to understand and communicate with individuals with autism, intellectual, and communication disabilities is a critical step in reducing victimization. This guide is divided into 5 informative sections: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Communication Disability; Intellectual Disability; references; resources; and quick tips for better communication with people who have autism, intellectual, or communication disability.