Episode 0:  Introduction

Welcome to the Respect the Stim podcast. I'm Captain Jerry Turning. Today's episode, brought to you by Blue Bridge Autism Training, is a game-changer for law enforcement officers like you and me. We've relied on our training, experience, and instincts throughout our careers to guide our actions and decisions. But when it comes to autism and individuals on the autism spectrum, we need to recognize that our usual approach can lead us astray.

I want to open your eyes to the realities of interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum. Every shift, we face countless situations where we must make split-second judgments based on limited information. In these moments, we often lean on our training and experience. But here's the thing: in the realm of autism, we can be deceived, misled, and put ourselves at risk without even realizing it.

I need you to understand the significance of this topic. It's not just about becoming a better public servant and serving and protecting this remarkable community; it's also about your personal investment. The insights I'm about to share with you will protect and insulate you and empower you to handle routine calls for service with increased efficiency. Whether it's responding to motor vehicle accidents, conducting stops, investigating incidents, or managing domestic violence situations, understanding autism can make these encounters far more manageable.

So, let's embark on this transformative journey together. I'll be your guide, teaching you how to interact with individuals on the autism spectrum, identify them, and ultimately, better serve them. I promise you'll be a better cop, investigator, and, most importantly, human being.

Get ready to uncover the secrets that will exponentially enhance your ability to connect with people on the autism spectrum. It's time to embrace this knowledge, move beyond "awareness," navigate these challenging interactions, and mitigate risks you might not even be aware of. Are you ready? Let's dive in and embark on this life-changing experience.