A new autism registry could give Midland police vital information in the case of an emergency.
When Helen Aitken found out that the Midland Police Service was creating an autism registry, she says her first words were: “Where do I sign up?”
Aitken's son has autism – a communication disorder that largely impacts social communication. Aitken's son doesn't speak, which could present a problem in the event he’s separated from his caregiver and is involved in a stressful situation involving police. The autism registry gives police background information about the person – characteristics, attractions and triggers.
“If a person may have a fear of loud noises, or are non-verbal, their trigger may be sirens,” says Const. Aaron Coulter. “It's good information to know in order to diffuse a situation peacefully.”
Midland is the first police force in our area to have an autism-specific registry. The Ontario Provincial Police is creating a vulnerable citizens’ registry that would include autism and South Simcoe Police already has a vulnerable person’s registry in place.
Erin Nightingale with Autism Ontario says the autism training Midland police officers have received is invaluable. Most people don't realize that there is a sensory processing issue with many on the autism spectrum that is unique.
“So when you ask what (their) name is, some people on the spectrum may respond 20 seconds later or 5 minutes later,” she says.
Aitken says the wider the message is spread the better.
“Having this information available to police I feel would lead to better outcomes,” she says. “It's a fantastic idea.”
If you would like to add your child’s name to the registry you can find it on the Midland Police Service website.
