Policing Black autistic children: A qualitative approach to understanding Black caregivers’ concerns
Authors: Yates Flanagan Ashlee , Cola Meredith , Yu Naomi , Peele Haley , Dicette Keeana , Hicks Grace , Pelella Maggie Rose , King-Pointer Ayana , Owens Jamiel , Truong Dieu M. , Hauptmann Aili , Pacheco Juan , Russell Alison , Lee Amanda , Schillinger Sarah , Covello Maxine , Lyons Meg , Solórzano Rita , Turnacioglu Sinan , Ravindran Vijay , McCleery Joseph P. , Miller Judith S. , Parish-Morris Julia 
Published: December 2024

In the United States, Black autistic youth face elevated risk of negative outcomes during police interactions. Although the outcomes of these interactions are well-documented, less is known about Black autistic youths’ experiences during police encounters, as the current literature has largely examined the experiences of autistic adults, mostly White American samples, and/or autistic youth abroad. This study utilizes qualitative methods to examine the perceptions and concerns of 43 Black caregivers (N = 43; 98% parents; 2% legal guardians; 93% mothers) of Black autistic children (mean age: 16.5; 79% male) regarding police interactions with their autistic children. Four themes emerged: concerns regarding the Quality of police officers’ training, children’s Autistic behaviors being inappropriately policed, the explicit Threat of harm and murder, and the hope for Mindful Policing. These findings demonstrate that caregivers’ concerns about police behaviors are inextricably linked to their concerns about the quality of police officers’ training. The results of this study highlight (1) the importance of including racially and ethnically diverse individuals in research exploring autistic individuals’ police interactions, (2) the need for culturally responsive adaptations to existing policing interventions designed for autistic people, and (3) the urgency of integrating Black caregivers’ concerns into law enforcement training efforts.

Lay abstract

In the United States, Black autistic youth face elevated risk of negative outcomes during police interactions. Although the outcomes of these interactions are well-documented, less is known about Black autistic youths’ experiences during police encounters, as the current literature has largely examined the experiences of autistic adults, mostly White American samples, and/or autistic youth abroad. This study utilizes qualitative methods to examine the perceptions and concerns of 43 Black caregivers (N = 43; 98% parents; 2% legal guardians; 93% mothers) of Black autistic children (mean age: 16.5; 79% male) regarding police interactions with their autistic children. Through phenomenological analysis, four dominant themes emerged: concerns regarding the Quality of police officers’ training, children’s Autistic behaviors being inappropriately policed, the explicit Threat of harm and murder, and the hope for Mindful Policing. These findings demonstrate that caregivers’ perceptions of police behavior are inextricably linked to their concerns about the quality of police officers’ training. This study highlights (1) the importance of including racially and ethnically diverse individuals in research exploring autistic individuals’ police interactions, (2) the need for culturally responsive and neuro-affirming adaptations to existing policing interventions designed for autistic people, and (3) the urgency of integrating Black caregivers’ concerns into law enforcement training efforts.