Autism Acceptance Month: JoyDew’s simulation helps Ridgewood police better handle encounters with people on the spectrum [Video]

RIDGEWOOD, New Jersey (WABC) — Police officers know plenty about training for certain situations, and now a police department in New Jersey is learning a new playbook when encountering individuals with autism.

In honor of National Autism Acceptance Month, Ridgewood police officers on Thursday took part in a simulation exercise developed by the JoyDew Foundation to help de-escalate possible situations with people who are on the spectrum.

The simulation will help cops recognize behaviors and traits of those who have autism, and will also provide valuable lessons on how to communicate with people who may be non-verbal.

“Using whiteboards, iPads, things along those lines that they are giving us here — that’s the unique thing, that’s what we are going to use, and that’s what’s going to be very effective,” said Ridgewood Police Officer Kevin McKeon.

Officers say they have gotten calls for people with autism having seizures, or calls from parents who can’t control their behaviors. …