Inclusive Policing Through Innovation

Bridging Autism and Public Safety in New Jersey

Officer stands beside a stopped vehicle holding a clipboard with forms while the driver sits in the car window, during a daylight roadside check

The sirens wail, and a blue-and-red flash fills the rearview mirror. For most drivers, a traffic stop is routine. For someone with autism, it can be a storm of confusion, anxiety, and misinterpreted signals—an ordinary moment suddenly charged with risk. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects each person differently: some face daily challenges that require constant support, while others appear to navigate life with little visible difference. Behind the wheel or in any moment of stress, individuals with ASD may react in different ways. There is an urgent need for understanding, preparation, and practical tools that protect both individuals on the spectrum and the communities around them.