Duluth Police Officers Receive Autism Awareness Training

Dealing With Individuals on the Spectrum

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Police officers in Duluth are preparing for what it takes to respond to calls for people with people mental disabilities.

The Autism of Society of Minnesota (AUSM) held a training session with Duluth police officers Wednesday morning.

The training covers strategies and scenarios officers might face if a call involves someone on the autism spectrum.

Experts say those on the spectrum have a much higher chance of dealing with emergency responders at least once in their lives.

“Children and adults on the spectrum can’t communicate well, don’t understand social norms, they demonstrate unusual social behaviors, and those things can be perceived as malicious or criminal,” said Ellie Wilson, Education, Training, and Program Manager with the Autism Society of Minnesota.

The AUSM offers similar training to firefighters and EMTs as well.