‘I feel prepared:’ Richmond Police, Autism Society host safety event to help those with autism

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Knowing how to respond in an emergency is crucial for everyone, but for individuals with autism, high-stress situations can be especially overwhelming.

That’s why the Richmond Police Department partnered with the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) on Saturday, Feb. 8 to host a seminar aimed at building trust between people with autism and first responders -- ensuring safer interactions during crises.

The event provided hands-on training for attendees and their families, covering essential skills such as what to do if pulled over by police, how to make a 911 call and steps to take in the event of a house fire.

For Lincoln Edwards, a seminar attendee, the training has made a significant impact.

"If I almost get pulled over or something bad happens, I feel like there's a pain in my chest between my heart and my stomach -- it's triggered by anxiety," Edwards said.

This was his second time attending the event, and he said the experience has helped him feel more comfortable in potentially stressful situations.

"If I were to get pulled over, it wouldn't be that frightening for how most people think it is," he added.

The seminar also emphasized the importance of disclosing an autism diagnosis to first responders, which can help them approach situations with greater awareness and understanding. Individuals can do this by mentioning it during a 911 call or adding an autism spectrum indicator to their driver’s license.

Michael de Groot, a first-time attendee, said he left the seminar feeling more confident about how to handle an emergency.

"When you get pulled over, I just pull over and give my name and driver's license, so I don't get in a heap of trouble," de Groot said. "I say I'm a friend, and I have autism, and also, I'm Michael de Groot."

Organizers encouraged families with a loved one on the autism spectrum to display signs or notes in their homes, alerting first responders to the presence of an individual with autism before they enter.

To find out how to get your autism diagnosis on your driver's license, click here.