Researchers from the Center for Autism Research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have published a groundbreaking study highlighting critical steps to improve interactions between law enforcement and Black autistic youth. Published today in the journal Autism, the study reflects concerns from Black caregivers of Black autistic children, offering actionable insights to enhance police training and foster safer interactions.

Black autistic youth face a heightened risk of adverse outcomes during police encounters due to a combination of factors: higher police contact rates within Black communities, documented bias in the use of force, and misunderstandings of autistic behaviours. Despite this elevated risk, the perspectives of Black families have been underrepresented in research aimed at improving these interactions.

“Black families often avoid participating in research because their experiences and voices haven’t been fully valued,” said Dr. Ashlee Yates Flanagan, the study’s lead author and a psychologist at CHOP’s Center for Autism Research. “Focusing on their concerns amplifies their voices and lays the groundwork for meaningful change.”

Study Details and Key Findings
The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 43 Black caregivers of Black autistic children. The study deliberately centred on these families’ cultural and racial context, including contributions from underrepresented researchers and discussions of race and policing in America.

The analysis revealed four key themes:

1. Concerns About Police Training: Families are worried that officers lack the necessary training to recognize autistic behaviours, which could lead to misinterpretations and escalation.
2. Policing of Typical Autistic Behaviors: Common behaviours like reduced eye contact or repetitive movements are often misunderstood and can be perceived as suspicious or defiant.
3. Fear of Harm or Fatal Outcomes: Families expressed deep concerns about the potential for violence or even death during police encounters.
4. Hope for Mindful Policing: Despite these fears, caregivers remained hopeful that targeted training and greater understanding could improve interactions.

Opportunities for Change
Caregivers emphasized equipping officers with tools to understand autistic behaviours better and respond with patience and empathy. For instance, recognizing that behaviours like avoiding eye contact may not indicate guilt but instead reflect autism-related traits could significantly reduce unnecessary escalation.

“These families are hopeful,” Dr. Yates Flanagan explained. “Their optimism highlights an opportunity for real change, and this study provides a roadmap for adapting police training to be more culturally and neurologically inclusive.”

Looking Ahead
The study underscores the need for police training programs to incorporate diverse perspectives, especially those of Black caregivers, to create meaningful change. Law enforcement can improve outcomes for all involved by addressing racial and neurological dynamics.

“Black caregivers of Black autistic youth have been overlooked in prior research, yet their insights are essential,” said senior author Dr. Julia Parish-Morris, a scientist at CHOP and Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. “Our findings reveal significant gaps in police training and a clear path forward. This is a call to action to make policing safer and more effective for everyone.”

By addressing these findings, the researchers hope to reduce risks for Black autistic youth and foster positive community relationships between families and law enforcement.