Today Wednesday 2 April is World Autism Awareness Day and to mark the occasion members of our Police Autism Support Group have launched two wellbeing spaces located in Newtownards and Lisburn Road Stations. The rooms are purposed as quiet, relaxed private areas, that police officers and staff can withdraw to if they need a brief respite during the demands of a busy working day, especially, but not exclusively, if they are neurodivergent.
Following assistance from volunteers James Poole and Naomi Maxwell, Detective Sergeant Hollie McCartan conducted research to assess areas of concern for autistic members of public when interacting with police. Through this research, areas were identified that may cause anxiety or pose difficulties.
An area highlighted for consideration to ensure police understand the needs of autistic members of public and support them appropriately was sensory awareness and how this may present itself. Feedback provided by James and Naomi indicated the use of sensory aids may assist the individual when feeling stressed or anxious.
As a result the Police Autism Support Group have purchased and began distributing sensory kits across the organisation for use by operational officers and staff to offer support to members of the public who may benefit from them. The kits include weighted lap pads, shoulder wraps, fidget pads, spikey sensory balls, squishy light up toys and ear defenders.
Chair of the Police Autism Support Group, Superintendent Finola Dornan hopes that by providing colleagues with these wellbeing areas and sensory kits, will assist sensory processing and can help police officers and staff when engaging with autistic members of the public.
She said, “The Police Autism Support Group is committed to supporting both our neurodiverse colleagues and to promoting a more positive policing response to neurodiversity in our community. Autism affects how people communicate and interact with the world around them, and autistic individuals often experience sensory inputs more intensely or differently. Being a victim of crime is a difficult experience for anyone but the impact on an autistic person is likely to be even more traumatic.
“Therefore it’s so important police officers and staff recognise the impact that being victim or witness to a crime can have on an autistic individual. They may feel shocked, traumatised, vulnerable or intimidated by the experience and may require a degree of help from sources of support during any investigation. Giving the right support can assist in alleviating the witness’s anxiety and fears.”
“Thanks to our volunteer's feedback, we are providing these tool-kits to support operational colleagues to better support individuals with autism, learning disabilities, vulnerable adults and children. Many people with autism find that using fidget aids helps them regulate their emotions and attention levels, making it easier to engage in tasks and activities. They can also be used as a tool to help manage sensory processing overwhelm. Small changes can make such a big difference in alleviating someone’s anxiety and in showing that we understand and are prepared to accommodate a diverse range of needs. Feeling safe and supported are as important inside the organisation as they are outside.”
