Why Slowing Down Can Save Lives: Autism-Aware Policing Lessons for UAE

In a room filled with pounding noises and clanging cowbells, law enforcement officers experience something profound: a glimpse into the sensory overwhelm that many autistic individuals face daily. Whilst this training took place in Los Angeles, the lessons hold critical importance for families and communities here in the UAE.

Kate Movius, founder of Autism Interaction Solutions and parent to an autistic young adult, creates these immersive experiences to help officers understand why standard procedures can escalate rather than resolve situations involving autistic individuals.

Understanding the Stakes

Autism spectrum disorder manifests differently in nearly every person, with symptoms clustering around difficulties in communication, social interaction, and sensory processing. An autistic person in a stressful encounter might avoid eye contact, repeat phrases, temporarily lose their ability to speak, or attempt to flee—all involuntary responses that could be misinterpreted as suspicious behaviour or defiance.

Recent data shows that approximately 1 in 31 children aged eight is autistic in the United States, with rates continuing to rise globally. In the UAE, where awareness and diagnosis of autism have increased significantly in recent years, understanding these challenges becomes increasingly crucial for all community members.

The Power of Patience

The primary lesson from these training programmes is deceptively simple: slow down. Many autistic individuals require additional time to process auditory input and formulate verbal responses, particularly in unfamiliar or stressful circumstances.

Trainers recommend waiting at least 20 seconds for a response after asking a question. Whilst this may feel unnaturally long, firing additional questions or instructions during that time—What's your name? Did you hear me? Look at me—only decreases the likelihood of receiving any response at all.

Practical Strategies for De-escalation

Training programmes emphasise several key approaches:

• Minimise sensory input: Reduce noise, turn down bright lights, and limit the number of people present
• Use alternative communication methods: Consider whiteboards, communication cards with words and images, or visual supports
• Recognise common behaviours: Understand that intense staring or lack of eye contact, echolalia (repeating words), and physical stimming are typical autistic responses, not signs of intoxication or guilt
• Allow processing time: Resist the urge to repeat or rephrase questions immediately

Implications for UAE Families

Whilst these training initiatives focus on law enforcement, the principles apply broadly. Families in the UAE can take proactive steps to protect their children:

• Create identification cards or bracelets noting your child's autism diagnosis and communication needs
• Practise scenarios with your child, including interactions with security personnel or emergency services
• Build relationships with local community police or security teams when possible
• Advocate for autism awareness training within schools, shopping centres, and public spaces

Building a More Understanding Community

As early as 2001, the FBI published guidance noting that officers should not interpret an autistic individual's failure to respond to orders as lack of cooperation or reason for increased force. Yet studies show that whilst up to 60% of officers have encountered autistic individuals during calls, only 5% to 40% have received any autism-specific training.

The UAE's diverse, international community presents both challenges and opportunities. With growing awareness and diagnosis rates, now is the time to ensure that first responders, educators, and community members understand autism and can adapt their approaches accordingly.

One training participant's story illustrates the impact: years after attending a session, an officer successfully de-escalated a situation when an autistic young man climbed into his patrol car at the beach. The father later wrote that the officer's training had made all the difference.

Moving Forward

Whilst training alone cannot solve all challenges, education remains a critical first step. For families navigating autism in the UAE, sharing information about your child's needs with schools, neighbours, and local services creates a network of understanding that can prevent crises before they begin.

The message is clear: in emergency situations involving autistic individuals, sometimes the most effective action is simply to wait, observe, and allow time for processing. It's a lesson that could save lives.