Autistic drivers get real-world experience with police

The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism helped provide practice driving stops for autistic drivers Oct. 22 at Cape Henlopen State Park. 

The organization is run through the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies and aims to benefit those who have autism. DNEA holds various workshops and training events to provide different and unique opportunities to aid individuals with autism. 

Chuck Sawchenko is the DNEA training coach. A retired lieutenant with the Delaware State Police, Sawchenko has a master’s in social work and a daughter with autism. He wants to assist those who have developmental disabilities. 

When Sawchenko heard of an individual with autism at a traffic stop, he began to understand that driving is not the easiest activity to do for people with autism. To solve some of the problems, he suggested that there should be practice traffic stops for autistic drivers. The officers at this specific event were from the Delaware Natural Resources Police, along with Capt. Keith Dempsey of the New Castle City Police.

Prior to the traffic stops, drivers were encouraged to watch a pre-driving video and review a resource guide. The goal was for participants to be comfortable and understand what happens when pulled over by police.  

Some of the drivers were those with autism, while others were neurotypical parents with autistic passengers. This allowed participants to comprehend the action of getting pulled over whether they were driving or not. 

Police officers run a full routine, including sounding the sirens and walking up to the window of the driver.

“Autistic individuals may experience heightened anxiety in stressful or unfamiliar situations, such as a police stop,” said Alisha Fletcher, director of DNEA. “By practicing in a controlled and supportive environment, drivers can become more comfortable with the process, reducing anxiety during real encounters.”

To learn more about DNEA, go to delawareautismnetwork.org.