PSNI Initiatives To Support Autism Awareness

To mark World Autism Awareness Day today, Wednesday 02 April, the Police Autism Support Group (PASG) has launched two new wellbeing rooms and distributed sensory kits across the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The wellbeing rooms, located at Newtownards and Lisburn Road Stations, are designed to provide a quiet and relaxed private space for police officers and staff, particularly those who are neurodivergent, to take a brief respite during busy working days.

The initiative to develop the wellbeing spaces and sensory kits was informed by research conducted by Detective Sergeant Hollie McCartan, with assistance from volunteers James Poole and Naomi Maxwell. The research aimed to identify areas of concern for autistic members of the public when interacting with police.

One key area highlighted was sensory awareness, and the potential for sensory overload to cause anxiety or difficulties for autistic individuals. Feedback from volunteers indicated that sensory aids could be beneficial in helping individuals manage stress and anxiety.

In response, the PASG has purchased and begun distributing sensory kits across the organisation for operational officers and staff to use when supporting members of the public. The kits include items such as weighted lap pads, shoulder wraps, fidget pads, spikey sensory balls, squishy light-up toys, and ear defenders. Superintendent Finola Dornan, Chair of the Police Autism Support Group, expressed hope that these resources would assist with sensory processing and improve interactions between police and autistic members of the public.

"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," Superintendent Dornan said. "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."

She emphasised the importance of police officers and staff recognising the impact of being a victim or witness to a crime on an autistic individual, who may feel shocked, traumatised, vulnerable, or intimidated. Providing the right support, she stated, can alleviate anxiety and fears.

Superintendent Dornan added, "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."