autism. west midlands: ‘Attention Card’

We are aware that people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) can experience problems when interacting with people from such as emergency services, but in particular when involved with the police or Criminal Justice System (CJS). Difficulties can arise when a person with ASD is either a victims or a perpetrators of crime where problems are exacerbated by a lack of understand of autism. In response we have established an ‘Attention Card’ which a person with ASD can acquire from autism. west midlands no cost to themselves. This card can be produced at times of difficulty and as a means of explaining that the person with ASD may not understand how to respond because of their condition, which might include becoming extremely anxious or their behaviour may appear threatening. This is not however inferring that there will always be a link to the CJS as it can be used in a wider context in situations of difficulty.

Criminal Justice System and Autistic Spectrum Disorder Forum

auti sm. west midlands recognised a need to work in partnership with others such as the police, probation and youth services to ensure there was greater awareness of issues surrounding autism. To this end a Criminal Justice Forum was established. The forum has now been meeting on a regular basis since 2003 and continues to be supported by a range of representatives from within the CJS. These include the regional Police Forces, Crown Prosecution Service, National Probation Service, Youth Offending Service as well as those working in the field of ASD and a number of parents of individuals with ASD .

One of the initial achievements of the forum was the creation of the “attention card” for individuals with an ASD to carry. When this was first launched in 2004 it was endorsed by West Midlands and West Mercia Police Forces who gave the card real validation. The first 1,000 of these have been issued to people with autism on request, across the region. January 2008 saw the need to order a further 1,000 of these cards and we are pleased that now all four regional forces have endorsed the card and they bare the logo of West Midlands , West Mercia , Warwickshire and Staffordshire Police Force.

Training has been at the forefront of the work of the forum and money received from the Police Authority has enabled us to provide a series of bespoke training days aimed specifically at Custody Sergeants within the West Midlands Force. This work has now taken a further step forward and training has taken place for the Warwickshire Force and is soon to take place in Staffordshire as well.

The latest commission for training from the forum has been from the Prison Service and four days training is being provided during the Spring.

The more we do the more we realise there is to do as the training we deliver is not only well received but clearly much needed. In particular there is a need for staff to work more closely with the CJS professionals to help guide the work they carry out with people with ASD . If this is of interest as a person with ASD or a parent/carer and you would like to discuss these issues please contact: 0121 4507575. If you would like to discuss training or joining the CJS Forum please contact 0121 4507576. Our information leaflet and a poster can be made available on request.