ASD Training: Knowledge, Attitudes & Perceptions of a South Georgia Police Officer

Author

Heather Banks McNeal, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Advisor

Grace Telesco

Committee Member

Brenda Deans

Committee Member

Steven Hecht

Keywords

attitudes, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), knowledge, perceptions

Abstract

This study offered a preliminary look at the evidence to support the benefits of training South Georgia Police Officers on the phenomenon that is autism. Research suggested that there was limited experimental data available regarding why persons with ASD entered the criminal justice system, as well as how to manage them once they are there (Chovanec, 2013). Various regions of the United States embraced the importance of ASD training amongst their law enforcement officers; however, Georgia has only recently taken steps to do the same by the inclusion of a voluntary, online course regarding autism and de-escalation. Participants shared their knowledge and attitudes of ASD and police training in hopes of contributing to the future of the phenomenon.

NSUWorks Citation

Heather Banks McNeal. 2020. ASD Training: Knowledge, Attitudes & Perceptions of a South Georgia Police Officer. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. (294)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_etd/294.