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By Invitation Only
By Invitation Only
Law Enforcement Only
Law Enforcement Only

    Workshop

    Leadership

    Beyond Compliance: Recognizing High Support Needs Autism in Crisis Response

    Sunday, October 19, 2025
    10:30 AM - 11:30 AM MT
    Location: Mile High Ballroom 2A/3A, Colorado Convention Center
    Police officers are often the first to respond to individuals in crisis. In these situations, behaviors that may appear as noncompliance or resistance can, in fact, be manifestations of developmental or cognitive disabilities—particularly among individuals with high support needs autism. These individuals may experience limited communication abilities, heightened sensory sensitivities, aggression, difficulty processing instructions under stress, and motor skill impairments. Equipping officers with the knowledge to recognize these behaviors is essential to enhancing de-escalation skills and improving both officer and public safety. This panel features a police leader with extensive field experience, a national disability expert, and an individual with lived experience of autism. Together, they will explore the importance of recognizing disability-related behaviors, with a focus on the unique challenges and needs of individuals with high support needs autism, to support safer and more effective law enforcement responses.