Summary
The Montgomery County Police Department's Autism, IDD, and Alzheimer's Outreach Unit has been addressing the needs of families with autistic individuals since its establishment in 2004. Officers Lori Reyes and Amy Stoughton emphasize the importance of community engagement and education in improving interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism. The unit began in response to an increase in calls related to missing individuals, particularly those who wander, and has since evolved to include comprehensive training for officers and community members.
Reyes highlights the necessity of understanding the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals, noting that training for officers has become more robust over the years. This includes learning to recognize behaviors that may be misinterpreted during stressful encounters. Stoughton adds that follow-up support for families after incidents is crucial, providing resources and safety tips to help prevent future crises. The unit conducts over 1,000 follow-ups annually and offers proactive presentations to educate the community.
Both officers stress the importance of calling 911 immediately if a loved one goes missing, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes. They also encourage families to prepare their children for potential encounters with law enforcement by discussing appropriate behaviors and responses. With the upcoming holiday season, they advise families to be proactive in managing sensory overload and potential wandering, suggesting the use of safety kits and communication strategies to ensure safe interactions with police.
The officers invite families to reach out for support and resources, emphasizing that they are not alone in their experiences. They encourage community members to engage with local police departments to understand available resources and advocate for improved training and support for officers working with autistic individuals.
Show Notes
Many families worry about what will happen if they call police for help with their autistic child or loved one. This week, Jeff Skibitsky talks with Officer Laurie Reyes and Officer Amy Stoughton (Ret.) of the Montgomery County (MD) Police Department’s Autism/IDD, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Outreach Unit. They explain what really happens on those calls, how families can prepare, and why calling 911 right away is the most important step. Laurie created the unit in 2004 to address a rise in “missing at risk” calls. It is now recognized as a national model by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Autism Speaks and Pathfinders for Autism. The unit responds to 40 to 60 autism and IDD calls a month, does more than 1,000 family follow-ups a year and gives about 150 community presentations a year. In this episode:
Why families should call 911 right away, and why delays put people at risk How officers are trained to recognize autism, including processing time, eye contact and behaviors that can look like impairment What happens during follow-up calls and home visits after an incident Why tracking devices and registries can’t replace a 911 call Halloween and holiday safety tips, including role-playing police encounters How families outside Montgomery County can find or push for similar programs
Guests Officer Laurie Reyes has served with the Montgomery County Police Department for 29 years. In 2004, she created the department’s Autism/IDD, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Outreach Unit and still coordinates it. She has been named a White House Champion of Change for Youth and Law Enforcement. She has also received the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing and a Maryland Governor’s Citation for her work with the unit. Officer Amy Stoughton (Ret.) served 27 years with the Montgomery County Police Department, mostly in patrol, before retiring in 2024. She joined the Outreach Unit in 2022 and has since given resources and support to more than 2,000 families, including through home visits. She continues to work with the unit in retirement, training officers, recruits and Montgomery County Public Schools staff, students and parents. Resources mentioned
Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Outreach Unit Pathfinders for Autism (Maryland resource directory) Unit brochure (English, Spanish and Amharic) NPR: This police department’s autism unit is saving lives DOJ COPS Office: From Awareness to Action Matter of Fact: A teen with autism helping police learn to help those in a mental health crisis Maryland’s Ethan’s Law, which requires autism/IDD training for police Safety tools they discussed: a 911 script, door and window alarms, ID bracelets, the unit’s safety kit with the yellow “call 911 if I’m alone” t-shirt, and local events like Coffee with a Cop
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