What does an single point of contact do?

Nicola Ponikiewski Learning and Insight Team - Organisational Learning Who am I? Nicola Ponikiewski

 Worked form the Constabulary since 2005.  Held various roles research officer, crime analyst, intelligence analyst.  I currently work in the Learning and Insight team.  I help provide force learning in the area of Equality and Inclusion (EI) by producing the data discussed at our EI Board meetings.  I’m a mum of 2 boys, one with an autism diagnosis.  In addition to my day job I work to ensure my colleagues are aware of autism and related conditions.  Meet regularly with our force disability lead Superintendent Dean Patient to raise any areas of interest.  I’m the autism lead for Herts police, a member of the National Police Autism Association.  I attend Herts All Age Autism Partnership board, liaise with other partners and answer queries where I can. My day job Analyst, Learning & Insight Team

Echo: What matters most to you?

 echo' is our community voice and feedback platform which allows you to voice your thoughts and opinions regarding policing in your local area, in your own words and in your own time.

How do I get involved?

 https://www.herts.police.uk/Information-and-services/Get-involved/echo Echo on social media My role as autism contact

 I was asked, the force disability lead knew I was interested in raising awareness.  I am a member of the National Police Autism Association, a privately-run group of UK police officers and staff supporting colleagues affected by autism (including ) and other neurodivergent conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD.  I’m a member of our force Disability and Carers Network .  I raise autism/ issues at our force Equality and Inclusion Board meetings.  I work closely with force disability lead. First Ever Policing and Neurodiversity Conference 12th March 2020 Why we need to raise autism awareness in policing?

statutory guidance.  Our reputation – potential lack of trust and confidence in the police by the autistic community.  It will benefit colleagues who are autistic or those with caring responsibilities for us to have wider discussions with our colleagues.  Our partners expect it - the Constabulary regularly attends the Herts All Age Autism Partnership Board meetings. There have been instances raised by board members about officer understanding of the condition. Autism Act 2009: Statutory guidance

 Autism Act 2009 - we must provide training.  Autism is defined a protected characteristic (protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation).  “We recommend that other providers of public services, such as providers of services to support people into employment, police, probation and the criminal justice system look to follow the guidance to help improve the delivery of the services they provide to adults with autism: for example ensuring that staff who provide services to adults with autism have received autism awareness training would clearly be of value across all public services. This should lead to better outcomes for people with autism and make best use of public resources” (page 10, paragraph 4).  Autism should not be seen as an add-on to services.  Training and awareness of autism are key. My aims: Awareness raising sessions to officers, PCSO’s, police staff and volunteers

 To give them an understanding about why awareness and acceptance is important.  To provide them with an understanding about autism and parenting an autistic young person.  To provide an overview of (some) characteristics.  Provide ideas about how to interact with autistic people, particularly young people.  Provide sources of information.  Give colleagues an opportunity to ask questions. What do I ask officers to be aware of?

 Lights, sounds, smells and noises may be difficult for some.  A person with autism may find it hard to keep still. They may need to walk about, move their hands.  How to communicate. Writing information in a comic book format with pictures may help people feeling overwhelmed.  Remember to talk slowly, simply and try not to get frustrated.  Just because someone does not give you eye contact it doesn’t mean they are not listening.  Be curious, NOT furious. Things I ask officer to avoid

 Language is REALLY important.  Avoid - “victim suffers from autism” or “Asperger's tendencies,” “tendencies” or “traits” or “has autism” or “severe ADHD”.  We are not medical professionals – we can’t diagnose a condition which can take time to identify.  Avoid labels - ‘high functioning’ ‘low functioning’ – there is no scale.  Please ensure you write Asperger's correctly, it’s not Ashpergers, Ashburgers – google will help.  What might be a better way to explain?  The person is autistic or has a diagnosis of…. or is awaiting an autism diagnosis.  Ask how the person would like you to describe their condition. Particularly if it’s written on a statement. What autism IS NOT

 Autism should be thought of behaviours on a spectrum, not a line or a scale.  It’s not caused by vaccines, it’s not contagious, it may be genetic, there is no answer yet as to its cause.  It’s NOT an illness. There is no ‘cure’ for autism.  Autism is not a temporary condition like pregnancy or an illness.  It is NOT a mental health condition (despite what information you need to input into PNC). Those on the spectrum may experience issues relating to their mental health due to having difficulties living in a world that doesn’t always accommodate for their needs, or the feelings of frustration that people don’t listen and understand them. Autism Alert Cards https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk/alert-card Hidden disability lanyard not just autism As a parent I explain to my colleagues  Parents would like understanding.  Parents are usually the experts.  A meltdown will happen for a reason, (Autism + Environment = Outcome).  Stay calm. Don’t shout. Don’t touch the person unless they are in immediate danger – tell them you intend to.  If you find an individual has ‘trashed’ a house it could be due to sensory overload, but also the frustration with being unable to communicate feelings. Try to take a step back and then find out what’s happened.  Simple specific instructions.  Autistic children are often excluded and bullied by their peers. Parents are often victim of the “judgey face” by others.  Parents are often exhausted because they are trying to work to get relevant support, hold down a job etc. And I ask colleagues to remember…  Remember, children with autism are not naughty.  Those who are non-verbal can hear you, they are not stupid.  Adults with the condition (may) need support and definitely (your) understanding.  Many adults with the condition would like to be listened to and not regarded as stupid, obstructive etc.  Autism is not something to use as ridicule.  We are NOT all on the spectrum. We may identify traits. This isn’t the same as living with the condition.  Many people are now receiving diagnosis later in life and have rewarding careers, families, it’s just that some situations may present difficulties which may need appropriate support and/or adjustments. Going forward….  We have a lot planned. We have post planned for Autism Awareness Week.  We aim to launch the Pegasus scheme, which is currently being piloted in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjjH9mL05Ts  The scheme helps vulnerable individuals that have difficulty in communicating effectively when they come into contact with the emergency services.  Develop our close working and awareness raising across Beds, Herts and Cambs forces.  We will be launching colleagues to become Neurodiversity Champions.  Continue to raise issues with our force disability lead.  Continue to play our part in the NPAA.  Continue to work towards our level 3 Disability Confident accreditation. Any Questions Nicola Ponikiewski [email protected] One of our resources

ALL ABOUT AUTISM FILM

 A University of Cumbria supported production in conjunction with Triple A Project & Cumbria Constabulary from AWOL Media Productions  https://vimeo.com/212882074