Not Your Mama's Autism (NYMA)

Community Policing for Different Kinds of Brains

March 22, 2021 Lola Dada-Olley Season 2 Episode 6
Not Your Mama's Autism (NYMA)
Community Policing for Different Kinds of Brains
Show Notes


In Season 2, Episode 6 of the NYMA Podcast, we discuss interactions between law enforcement and members of the neurodivergent and intellectually disabled communities through more than one perspective.  The episode picks up a bit from where it left off and includes personal narratives of various ways upon which my brother has had interactions with the police and concerns our family has for the next generation of neurodivergent children as they navigate their formative years when it comes to hoping that they come across law enforcement and community members that are understanding.

Another perspective will come through the eyes of a retired police sergeant and father of a son on the autism spectrum.  Sergeant A.D. Paul is credited with starting a crisis intervention unit with neurodiversity in mind. 

He believes that his nearly 30 year career is all part of his purpose and candidly walks you down the path of how he became nationally recognized for community policing with an emphasis on accommodating brains that are different. Juggling a role like that and the challenges of raising a son on the spectrum with the need for community supports is also highlighted.

Finally, Sergeant Paul discussed how he went about passing the baton to Sergeant Charles Heasley, the current head of the Plano Police Department's Crisis Intervention Unit, and our guest for our follow up episode.


Plano Police Sgt. A.D. Paul Testifies on Capitol Hill - YouTube
Take Me Home Program | Plano, TX - Official Website

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