Does a Person’s Autism Play a Role in Their Interactions with Police: The Perceptions of Autistic Adults and Parent/Carers

This study aimed to describe the impact that autistic characteristics (core features of autism and co-occurring conditions) have on interactions with police. Twelve autistic adults and 19 parent/carers were interviewed about interactions with police in the past 5 years. Using content analysis, it was found that in most (92.3%) interactions, autistic characteristics were described as having a role in the police interaction, either as a causal factor or more commonly by affecting the conduct of the interaction. In the latter case, the impact was associated with negative perceptions of the interaction. By sampling a more representative group across age, gender, functional abilities and context, this study provides insight into factors that underlie many autistic individual’s reported dissatisfaction with police interactions.