Project Description:
Autism awareness training was provided to the Cadets of the Bryan Police Department, Staff, officers at TAMU Police Department, and employees of the Records Dept at TAMU PD. The trainings were led by Lucinda Thelen and her son Chris Thelen who is an autistic adult. The session covers sensory issues, learning differences, communication challenges, behavioral considerations, and social concerns. Emphasis is placed on the meltdown cycle and supportive responses.
A similar training was provided for the staff of the Records Dept. at TAMU PD. They learned how to support employees who may be autistic. It was a similar presentation: what is necessary to have an autism diagnosis, sensory issues, learning differences, communication challenges, behavioral considerations, and social concerns. The emphasis was on supporting the employees and accommodation needs.
(1) Police Training Bryan PD "Autism - Different Not Less"
28 police cadets participated
Satisfaction
27 Strongly agreed
1 Agreed
Comments: (question- what did you find most helpful about this training?)
-"Everything from the information and how to assist a person with autism. Fantastic job!"
-"Identifying the signs of autism and watching live videos of interactions. Also learning what to do when you
encounter someone with autism."
-"The videos and personal experiences/stories given by the presenters made the information stick."
-"The real-life scenarios, and live interaction."
-"Extremely well explained."
(2) TAMU Police Dept. - "Different Not Less"
8 Police Officers participated
Satisfaction
6 Strongly Agreed
2 Agreed
Comments: (question- what did you find most helpful about this training?)
-"Everything really. I learned a lot about behaviors, which was really helpful."
-"Very helpful, presented things I've never thought of."
-"Learn about meltdowns versus tantrum, I did not know this."
-"Breakdown of spectrum versus linear"
-"Chris's input was very valuable."
(3) TAMU Staff Record Dept. - "Autism - Different Not Less"
6 staff members participated
Satisfaction
6 Strongly agreed
Comments: (question- what did you find most helpful about this training?)
-" Learning new strategies and terms."
-"The examples and offering solutions to situations help."
-"Opened my knowledge about autism, how they think and interact."
-"The real life stories helped me to understand."
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, General Public
