Letter to the Editor: Supporting Drivers with Autism and Police Officer Interactions-Connecticut’s Blue Envelope Program

Meghan Brahm Gleeson , Harry Grindle , Mark M Gleeson

Abstract

The rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has led to increased efforts to support individuals with ASD across numerous aspects of life, including driving. While obtaining a driver’s license substantially impacts quality of life and independence, it also creates distinct challenges for those with ASD. Challenges surrounding social communication, executive functioning, and sensory sensitivities are particularly evident when considering interactions between drivers with ASD and law enforcement personnel. Connecticut’s Blue Envelope Program aims to improve interactions between drivers with and ASD law enforcement by providing instructions for officers and drivers to follow during routine traffic stops on a physical, blue colored, envelope. The instructional guidelines aim to assist officers in understanding and appropriately responding to common ASD-related behaviors which may be otherwise misinterpreted and includes accommodations officers could consider during a stop. Additionally, the envelope outlines clear steps for drivers with ASD to follow through the stop as to support predictability and expectations. The widespread acceptance, efficacy and popularity of the Blue Envelope program underscores the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of ASD among law enforcement and the need for more supports to aid in these increasing interactions. Discussion is offered on a broader implementation of this program to support individuals with ASD and officers, while improving the outcomes of interactions.

摘要

自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）的患病率不断上升，导致人们在生活的许多方面（包括驾驶）加大了对自闭症患者的支持力度。虽然获得驾照极大地影响了生活质量和独立性，但它也给自闭症患者带来了独特的挑战。当考虑患有自闭症的司机与执法人员之间的互动时，围绕社会沟通、执行功能和感官敏感度的挑战尤为明显。康涅狄格州的蓝色信封计划旨在改善司机与ASD执法部门之间的互动，通过在蓝色信封上为官员和司机提供日常交通停车时应遵守的指示。指导方针旨在帮助官员理解和适当应对可能被误解的常见ASD相关行为，并包括官员在停车时可以考虑的便利措施。此外，信封还为患有自闭症的驾驶员列出了清晰的步骤，供他们在停车时遵循，以支持可预测性和期望值。蓝信封计划的广泛接受、功效和受欢迎程度强调了提高执法部门对自闭症的认识和理解的重要性，以及为这些日益增加的互动提供更多支持的必要性。讨论提供了更广泛的实施这一计划，以支持自闭症患者和官员，同时改善互动的结果。