Search Results

The center. 535 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228 Harvey E. Najim Campus The Harvey E. Najim Campus, generously donated by Harvey E. Najim, is dedicated to the service of the autism community. Our new center opened its doors in July 2023 and allows us to provide state-of-the-art treatments and diagnostics for individuals in need. We are also able to scale our services to better meet the needs of the growing population we serve. We are proud to announce that we will begin offering adult services in the near future. Our goal is to ensure the autism community in South Texas has a place to call home with all the support they need. What the new campus means for you. New programs & services Less diagnostic wait time. You have spoken, and we have heard you. Our new campus houses +4 new employees and 2 more observation rooms to handle multiple screenings at once. Our goal is to significantly reduce the time spent on our waiting list. More inclusivity. Our new campus allows us to offer expanded, wrap-around services for the whole family. Additionally, we can now provide more long-term support for our children as they age. Better community integration. Our generous donors at Valero have made it possible to host community events and resource fairs in our fully equipped Valero Community Center. From Camp AUsome! to our sensory-friendly holiday events, we are sparking a flame in the ever-growing autism community. Cozier environments. When you step into our building, you'll notice something special. We've designed it to feel just like home - cozy, welcoming, and peaceful. You won't find harsh fluorescent lights or noisy, echoing hallways here. Instead, we've crafted sensory-friendly spaces, not just rooms. Smarter play. We are huge proponents of learning social skills through play and child-led interactions, so we have created our space to be targeted to the autistic person and their caregivers. From the customizable projections on the climbing wall to the state-of-the-art video rePLAY system, we put play first. Relevant learning spaces. There is a world of opportunity out there, and big futures await. We have added immersive environments dedicated to teaching autistic children and their caregivers daily life skills. We look forward to seeing you in our teaching kitchen or back for Camp We:CODE. Leave your mark. ACN is providing exciting naming opportunities for our new campus. Name a wing, room, or help us pave our entryway with a dedicated brick. You can donate to ACN and support us in our effort to develop an amazing new facility. Donate today and make your mark on ACN! Customize a brick Location location location. Where we are building. Our new campus is located in the inner-west side of San Antonio, Texas. We believe that being in this area provides a centralized location to serve all of San Antonio. We're proud to serve from here and look forward to creating new relationships in the community. Please come by for a visit! Book your next event in our Valero Community Center. ACN's new campus features the amazing Valero Community Center annex space, fully renovated and equipped with a catering kitchen, restrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the outdoors. For more information contact: info@acn-sa.org

THE EIGHTH OF APRIL TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX Picture yourself at Le Brunch des Chapeaux Ashley Yarborough, Allegra Hawkins, and Alice Adair cordially invite you to the event of the season, Le Brunch des Chapeaux 2026. The co-chairs are dedicated to planning an elegant event that will surely impress. The 23rd annual luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, at 11 o'clock in the morning on the lawn of The Argyle. This year's event will feature a stunning fashion show by Julian Gold. All proceeds will benefit Autism Community Network in supporting autistic children and those who love them. Fabulous hats encouraged! Support Le Brunch de Chapeaux Purchase a Table Read More Purchase Raffle Tickets Read More Become an Underwriter Read More Other Day Of Opportunities Read More Follow us on Social Media Click the links below to join the fun. About the Cause: Autism Community Network Autism Community Network (ACN) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to maximize the potential of children with autism by providing early diagnosis for those with limited access and educating and empowering the community to support them. ACN envisions a world where autistic individuals are celebrated for their unique contributions. They are dedicated to creating a strengths-focused community that embraces neurodiversity and supports big futures for autistic children and their caregivers. A Note About Parking To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, please DO NOT park on the street near The Argyle. This request is made in accordance with The Argyle's "Good Neighbor Policy." Street parking is strictly prohibited. If you park on Patterson, The Argyle will not allow you on the premises. There will be valet parking available for about 1/3 of our guests, and additional accommodations made for the remainder. Follow us on social media for more information. Thank you for your understanding and support—we look forward to seeing you at the luncheon! Table Sponsors Festival de Cannes $25,000 Sandy Saks Prix d'interprétation féminine $10,000 Lissette Fullmer, Kayla Skelton, & Angie Cox Charlotte Dawson Lori Donnell Marie Mays Julian Gold Prix de la mise en scéne $7,500 Lauren Gamez Alice Adair & Allegra Hawkins Burkley Fitzsimmons & Fay Walker Heather Dunn Ashley Yarborough Injury & Pain Specialists of SA Prix du scénario $5,500 Lauren Gamez Heather Feik de Rojas Taelor Allen Minx and Onyx Cindy Dawson Linda Dullnig Liza Cole Lorien Whyte Palme d'Or du court métrage $3,500 Courtney Balsam Bellas Supporting Autism Hannah Beever Karen Bonney Christine Floro Valerie Fuller Karen Grace Karla Guerra Spencer Hardy Jena Mardell Kimberly Overby Libby Sandoval Sarah Schimpff & Jamie Gillum Randy Rogers Family Foundation Meg Stoffer Haydee Thurber Kenda Willoughby Ruth Willoughby Jamie Kimball Maurine "Mo" Shipp Drs. Hanson & Dillegas Mary Beth Mosbacker Jennifer Delgado Paloma Blanca Texas Partners Bank Katherine Trimble Diane Lewis & Kristen Palme Las Aguilas Micheon Cahill Manny Nsien Underwriting Presenting Sponsor Available Founding Sponsor Available Luncheon Sponsor Available Floral Sponsor Available Paper Suite Sponsor Corinna Holt Richter Afterparty Sponsor Available Valet Sponsor Available Sweet Treat Sponsor Available Umbrella Sponsor Available Pommes Frittes Sponsor Available Runway Sponsor Stacy Schlagel Picture Perfect Sponsor Available Table Beverage Sponsor Claire Cavender McNab & Paige Shafer Welcome Reception Sponsor Available Trolley Sponsor Northpark Lexus at Dominion Afterparty Cocktail Sponsor Rick and Suzanne Cavender Le Tapis Rouge ( The Red Carpet) Available Please email Cortney John, Chief Development Officer to secure your sponsorship today: Cortney@acn-sa.org In Kind Donations The Argyle Venue Julian Gold Runway Show and Paddle Raise Previous Events

In the news. Get the latest in autism news here. Apr 20, 2024 Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's support of autism acceptance reached global audience His inclusive message about the need not to treat autistic people as the "other" touched those with the disability and their advocates. Read More Apr 2, 2024 SAPD cadets learn how to respond to incidents involving people with autism San Antonio nonprofits have teamed up to create a training program to help San Antonio police cadets better understand autism spectrum disorders. Read More Feb 4, 2024 LOCAL Closer Look: Autism Community Network Felipe Aguilar talks with Adrienne Gaither, Director of Caregiver Empowerment and Occupational Therapist, Autism Community Network (ACN) in San Antonio. Read More Dec 20, 2023 Sound and vision: How San Antonio is building inclusivity in arts and culture Sensory-friendly events are primarily designed to accommodate those with autism spectrum disorder who might have difficulties adjusting behaviors to social situations or communicating their needs effectively. Read More Aug 28, 2023 'Emergent and transactional': How Jonathan Green is Rethinking Autism and Interventions Jonathan Green is professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and an honorary consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist. He is also a long-practicing clinician. In this interview, he discusses the genesis of his recent article, “Debate: Neurodiversity, autism and healthcare,” and how it has been received by colleagues and the neurodiversity self-advocate community. There have been two commentaries published in response to Green’s article, with a third still in production. Read More Mar 27, 2023 Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy Improved Long-Term Child Outcomes Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy is currently the only scientifically evidenced early social communication intervention to demonstrate long-term improved child social communication outcomes into middle childhood. Read More Jun 18, 2022 We Should Tell Children They Are Autistic As Soon As Possible Many parents in our community feel they don’t know the “right” way or time to tell autistic children about their autism. For this reason, we are grateful for a recent study showing that “it is probably best to tell people they are autistic as soon as possible.” We talked with Bella Kofner, an author on the study who is also autistic, about what the study reveals; the personal experience of being told about one’s own autism; why it is crucial for autism research to include autistic direction; and some takeaways for both parents and/or autistic people themselves. Read More

Autism Community Network Annual Fall Summit Toward Neuroharmony: A Different Way of Seeing and Supporting Autism Keynote Speaker: Barry Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP October 3, 2025 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 100 Auditorium Cir, San Antonio, TX 78205 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Barry Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP Clinical Scholar, Neurodiversity Ally, and Author of Uniquely Human Please find more information on Dr. Prizant and ACN Summit 2025, Toward Neuroharmony below. To register for the event, click below. REGISTER Agenda 7:30 - 8:15 AM Registration, Breakfast, and Resource Fair 8:15 - 9:45 AM Opening Ceremony / Keynote Address 10:00 - 11: 15 AM Morning Breakout Sessions Caregiver, Educator, and Clinician Tracks 11:30 - 12: 30 PM VIP Lunch & Book Signing / Networking Lunch 12:45 - 2:00 PM Second Keynote Address 2:15 - 3:30 PM Experts by Experience Panel 3:45 - 4:30 PM Closing Ceremony Autism Community Network is a registered CPE provider for the Texas Education Agency. ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures Summit Sessions. Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism Time Presenter/Facilitator Keynote Address - 8:15 AM Barry Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP Objectives & Disclosures Building Relational Trust and Sense of Safety Between you and your Child Time Presenter/Facilitator AM Breakout Session - 10:00 AM Anna Paola Smith, LCSW, PACT Accredited Provider Brenda Orozco, LMSW Objectives & Disclosures The Attuned Classroom: How to Cultivate Environments for Trusting Relationships Time Presenter/Facilitator AM Breakout Session - 10:00 AM Kathryn Benson, MPA Nicole Santiago, MEd Objectives & Disclosures Sensory Safety: Fostering Relationships to Support Social-Emotional Development in Children Time Presenter/Facilitator AM Breakout Session - 10:00 AM Dr. Carrie Alvarado, PhD, OTR, PACT Accredited Provider and PACT UK Associate Adrienne T. Gaither, OTR, C-SIPT, C/NDT, PACT Accredited Provider Objectives & Disclosures Understanding Echolalia and Gestalt Language Development Time Presenter/Facilitator Second Keynote Address: 12:45 Barry Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP Objectives & Disclosures Expertise through Experience: Amplifying Autistic Voices Panel Time Presenter/Facilitator Afternoon Address - 2:15 PM TBD Objectives & Disclosures Fees. Availability based on venue capacity. Packages are sold on a first come first served basis. Early Bird Registration (July 1-August 15) $125 Regular Registration (August 15 - September 15) $150 Late Registration (September 15-October 4) $175 Caregivers / Adult Autists Scholarships Available $100 Group Rate/Students Email katie@acn-sa.org VIP Lunch & Book Signing $100 Polices & Procedures. Accommodations Search Find the full policy here. We strive to create a conference experience that is accessible to all. Our goal is to identify and address any barriers that may prevent full participation, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant legislation. Refunds Search Find the full policy here. We understand that circumstances may change, and you may need to cancel your registration for our conference. Our refund policy is designed to be fair and transparent, ensuring that attendees can plan with confidence. Complaint Policy Search Find the full policy here. We are dedicated to maintaining a high standard of service and support. We encourage attendees to provide feedback and report any concerns or complaints. All complaints will be treated with respect and confidentiality. Sponsors Full list of sponsors and gifts Search For more information on sponsorship opportunities and to join our supporters, click below. Star Additional Information. For questions related to credentialing information and receiving CEUs, scholarships, or any other information not included on this page or the registration website, please reach out to info@acn-sa.org .

Caregiver Empowerment. At Autism Community Network, we know the best way to connect with others in the autism community is through fun and play! We offer a variety of programs designed for the whole family. Our Caregiver Empowerment Program aims to fortify the entire caregiver system with kindred relationships and critical knowledge to improve the overall wellness of your family. 02 SibShops SibShops are fun and energetic events that celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of autistic children. Participants will meet other neurotypical siblings of autistic children while having fun, laughing, and connecting on all aspects of having an autistic sibling. SibShops combine information and discussion activities with fun, high-energy games, food activities, and arts and crafts. SibShops are distinguished from general recreational programs by implementing discussion activities in each session. Discussion activities allow neurotypical siblings a safe space to share their own experiences while a facilitator actively listens and validates their feelings. Sibshops events are typically 2-4 hours long and may have 5-10 participants in each group. They are currently held once per month on the ACN campus. SibShops are designed for school-age children and seek to provide siblings with opportunities for peer support within a fun, recreational context that emphasizes a kids view. We believe that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another if given a chance. SibShops are our commitment to the well-being of the family member most likely to have the longest-lasting relationship with the autistic child. This program is generously supported by Circle Bar Foundation. 01 Camp AUsome! Camp AUsome! provides summer programming for autistic children and their siblings. From play-based camps to learning to code, our camps have it all! Click the link below for more information. Read More 03 Fam Jams ACN's Quarterly Fam Jams are sensory-friendly, neurodiversity-affirming community celebrations for the whole family. We will provide the food, music, and fun. All we need to complete the party is you and your loved ones. For information on our upcoming parties, please follow our event calendar and/or social media. Registration is required. If you or your organization is interested in volunteering at a Fam Jam, please email Katie Benson at katie@acn-sa.org. 04 Caregiver Ambassador Program Each family receiving an autism diagnosis has a different emotional experience. Some families would like a person with lived experience to take their hand as they embark on this new pathway. Our Caregiver Ambassador Program (CAP) connects families new to the autism community with seasoned caregivers. Together, both families can grow in knowledge and lean into each other along their journeys. For more information, follow the link below. Read More 05 Parent Groups Autism Community Network takes pride in offering a range of support groups tailored to the diverse needs of our community. We understand that individuals and families navigating the world of autism and neurodiversity often require different forms of support and guidance. Two of our prominent support groups are the PACT Parent Empowerment Pod (P-PEP) and the Neurture Project, each designed to provide specialized assistance to caregivers at different stages of their journeys. The PACT Parent Empowerment Pod (P-PEP) is an invaluable support group aimed at parents who have already participated in our PACT program. PACT equips parents with essential skills and knowledge to better support their child on the autism spectrum. Following their completion of PACT, parents may find themselves in need of continued support and connection with peers who have shared similar experiences. P-PEP serves as a lifeline, offering a supportive community where these parents can share insights, challenges, and triumphs, fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience. The Neurture Project is another vital support group specifically designed for caregivers of infants and toddlers, including those born during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The early years are critical for neurodiverse children, and the Neurture Project recognizes the unique needs and concerns that caregivers face during this period. Our support group provides a nurturing space where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources to navigate the uncertainties of raising neurodivergent infants and toddlers, especially in the context of a global health crisis. Both P-PEP and the Neurture Project exemplify Autism Community Network's commitment to providing tailored support that meets the evolving needs of individuals and families affected by autism and neurodiversity. We believe that through these support groups, we can empower caregivers with knowledge, camaraderie, and resilience, fostering a stronger and more inclusive community for all.

< Back AUTISM DIAGNOSIS About Diagnostic Services Most of our diagnostics are handled in-house, but if for any reason you need more support, our autism diagnosis resources provide information on where to find qualified professionals who can diagnose autism. These resources can help families get started on the journey to understanding and supporting their loved ones with autism. DIAGNOSTICS Assessment Intervention Management (AIM, LLC) 210.838.5351 Web: https://aimllcconsulting.com/ or www.sparkassessmentcenter.com E-Mail: info@aimllcconsulting.com 7410 Blanco Rd Ste. 400, SA TX 78216 We provide a wide array of psychological assessments (ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, Neuropsychological, Learning Disability, etc.) for families. However, we specialize in customizing the evaluation to fit the needs of the family. Since we all come from a school background, we write our evaluations to match what the schools want. Autism Community Network (Us!) 210.435.1000 Web: www.acn-sa.org 535 Bandera Rd, SA TX 78228 ACN provides diagnostic evaluations for children as well as parent and professional education and training. In addition, ACN provides resources to families through its website, social media outlets and outreach events. ACNs goal is to help children with autism maximize their potential by working to expand autism awareness, improve early diagnosis and better connect families to the care and support available in San Antonio. For information on workshops, trainings or resources please call. Many forms of insurance are accepted, including Medicaid. BAMC Interdisciplinary Autism Team 210.916.2395 Sheri Sharp, Pediatric Speech Pathologist EFMP, Dept. of Pediatrics, Brooke Army Medical Center Ft. Sam Houston, TX 78232 Sees only Dept. of Defense beneficiaries and accepts only TRICARE. This interdisciplinary team includes pediatric speech-language pathology, child and adolescent psychology and developmental-behavioral pediatrics. We see children from the greater San Antonio area and outlying military installations throughout the region. Dr. Carrie George, Ph.D 210.593.2136 E-Mail: carrie.george@claritycgc.org Clarity Child Guidance Center 2135 Babcock Rd., SA TX 78229 Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School of Psychology (LSSP) specialize in the assessment/diagnosis of developmental disorder, particularly autism spectrum and mood disorders; provides therapy for higher functioning Asperger’s Disorder. Provide therapy for children with mood and disruptive behavior disorders between the ages of 3 and 17 years. Insurance accepted: Tricare, Medicaid, Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CHIP, Community 1st, Life Sync and ComPsych, Texas True Choice, United Behavioral Health and Value Options Health Insurance plans. Business hours: 9am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday and testing only occurs on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Many forms of insurance are accepted, including Medicaid, Aetna and Tricare. Dr. Jeri Penkava 210.403.2343 Web: www.adhdplusinc.com 1046 Central Pkwy South, SA TX 78232 Services provided include evaluations; medication management; alternative therapies - nutritional; sound; and herbal therapy; Acupuncture; EEG bio-feedback; Children’s Yoga; and group therapy. Also employed are relaxation techniques, and hypnotherapy with patients. New patients must go on their website under “New Patient Forms and Links” and fill out each form and then either fax or email the completed forms as well as your insurance card and copy of your photo ID (email to: adhdplus.records@att.net ). Existing patients can follow the same link to schedule an appointment. Does not accept Community 1st, Amerigroup or Humana. Multiple insurances are accepted. In the case that yours isn’t, they provide competitive private pay pricing. Dr. Michelle K. Ervin 210.916.3400 Developmental Pediatrics SAMPC 3551 Roger Brooke Dr., Brooke Army Medical Center Ft. Sam Houston TX 78234 Sees only Dept. of Defense beneficiaries and accepts only TRICARE. Dr. Sean P. Meagher 210.292.5648 MDOS/MCCS 1100 Wilford Hall Loop, Lackland AFB, Texas 78236 Developmental Pediatrics, SAMHS Sees only Dept. of Defense beneficiaries and accepts only TRICARE. Dr. Stephen Greefkens 210.916.0765 Developmental Pediatrics SAMPC 3851 Roger Brooke Dr., Brooke Army Medical Center Ft. Sam Houston TX 78234 Sees only Dept. of Defense beneficiaries and accepts only TRICARE. Harkins and Associates 210.692.3439 Web: info@harkinsandassociatesinc.com 4118 Pond Hill Ste. 200 Shavano Park, TX 78231 Dr. Patricia Harkins, MD, Developmental Pediatrics. Do NOT accept Medicaid, Beech Street, CHIPS Programs, Fiserv Health, Health Smart, Unicare and Harrington Maddox Child Psychology, PLLC 210.762.4228 Dr. Katherine Maddox, Ph.D., LSSP Web: www.MaddoxChildPsychology.com Email: Dr.KMaddox@MaddoxChildPsychology.com 117 W. Craig Pl. San Antonio, TX 78212 Dr. Maddox specializes in providing psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults. When parents have concerns about their child's development, emotional/behavioral problems, social skills, or academic performance, a psychological evaluation can provide parents with valuable information such as diagnostic clarification, treatment needs, and recommendations on how to help their children achieve their goals. Dr. Katherine Maddox is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. Her areas of specialization include providing diagnostic evaluations for children and adolescents with symptoms related to emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning problems. Comprehensive Autism Program 210.704.4708 If your child needs a diagnosis of Autism or needs a diagnosis verified, we offer a multidisciplinary autism evaluation which is a four to eight-hour, full evaluation. This consists of evaluations by neurodevelopmental pediatrics, neuropsychology, audiology, social work, speech/language pathology, and occupational therapy. To schedule an evaluation, please ask your child’s primary physician to fax a referral to 210.704.4637 with attention to Autism Clinic: Needs Formal Diagnosis. Comprehensive Autism Program at The Children's Hospital of San Antonio 333 N. Santa Rosa Street Goldsbury Center for Children and Families, 4th Floor (4b) San Antonio, Texas 78207 Previous Next

< Back PARENT EDUCATION About Parent Education Services Our parent education resources provide information and support for parents of children with autism. These resources can help parents better understand their child's needs, access necessary resources, and support their child's growth and development. Ask about our caregiver empowerment programs! PARENT EDUCATION Any Baby Can of San Antonio 210.227.0170 Web: https://www.anybabycansa.org/enrollment/ 217 Howard, SA TX 78212 Contact: Autism Services Director The parent training course is divided into six group sessions with specific goals and learning objectives. You will also be assigned a Client Specialist that will assess your needs for additional supports, help coordinate your path through our services, and complete one-on-one in-home follow up support, as needed. Our goal is to ensure that your needs are met and that your child is successful. Autism Community Network 210.435.1000 Web: https://www.acn-sa.org/ 4242 Woodcock Dr. Ste. 101, SA TX 78228 ACN provides diagnostic evaluations for children as well as parent and professional education and training. In addition, ACN provides resources to families through its website, social media outlets and outreach events. ACNs goal is to help children with autism maximize their potential by working to expand autism awareness, improve early diagnosis and better connect families to the care and support available in San Antonio. For information on workshops, trainings or resources please call. AVANCE - San Antonio 210.220.1788 Web: www.avancesa.org 903 Billy Mitchell Blvd., Ste. 100, SA TX 78226 Meaning "advance" or “progress,” AVANCE serves as a trusted guide to assist under-resourced families of young children in overcoming isolation and lack of opportunity. Using our unique two generation education and relationship-building methodology, we help family members become the best parents, employees, and citizens they can be. Brighton Center 210.826.4492 Web: www.brightonsa.org 14207 Higgins Rd., SA TX 78217 Throughout San Antonio and Bexar County, Brighton Center provides developmental and educational services to children of ALL abilities. With a holistic, family-centered approach, we offer enrichment and development through our education programs. Previous Next

< Back An Interview with an Autistic Police Officer James Ward-Sinclair Oct 12, 2019 A Bit about Ben: Before we go on, one of the interesting things I thought worth mentioning about my interviewee today was how, despite receiving a diagnosis at a young age (in fact, mine and Ben’s mums met at a support group when we were kids), Ben by his own admission doesn’t know much about autism and says that he wouldn’t class himself as being part of the ‘autism community’. To Ben, being autistic just meant a confusing school life, where social struggles caused him to be ‘isolated’ and communication challenges left him being viewed as ‘a complete looney and weirdo’. Ben says that he just ‘didn’t have an awareness’ and he was ‘treated badly by people for it’. Things eventually got so bad that after three incidents in which he was kicked, pushed over and had pins pushed into him, Ben no longer could stomach education and refused to return until he could change school (something which he eventually did). However, despite this leaving him with a somewhat lukewarm impression of the spectrum, his interview turned out to be very inspirational and more positive than I anticipated – but then again, I should probably let you be the judge of that. An Interview with an Autistic Police Officer: James: Question 1: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Ben: I affirm James: So you say that social struggles are one of the biggest challenges you have. What made you choose a public sector job? Ben: When I was in school I would never have thought about being in the police. I think it was around that time [year 10] I learnt to play the guitar and that was ultimately what kind of changed things, in as much as I suddenly had something I could have a common interest in. Forming bands and stuff meant that I was able to generate this social circle that I never had before and my confidence massively improved. I developed a personality that wanted to be part of a community and I already had experiences which gave me motivation to do something good. Then very, very quickly I knew that I wanted to be in the cops. James: What was the next step after you had made this decision? Ben: Once I knew, I wouldn’t do anything else. Getting into the cops was hard but I wouldn’t be disillusioned. It’s intense and requires you to have some academic skill and there’s a lot of waiting. You have to be patient because you could wait 6 months to join and I think people who struggle under pressure would struggle with the application process because it is intense. There’s a telephone interview which isn’t very natural. They don’t ask you about a business or your past experiences. All the questions are based around competency and values that you must have, and they are very specific and don’t allow much room to present your individuality. One of them is openness to change . You then attend an assessment day at the police college; where you do 4 role plays, two written exams, another interview and it’s like phwar, you’re really pushed and by the time you are on the brink of it, your mind is racing and you’re fatigued. It’s dead tough. James: Most autistic people like their routine. So, when you say they are looking for openness to change, did this or the realization of routine breaking, irregular shifts deter you? Ben: I mean I suppose I do have my routines. I always get dressed the same way, always have the same shower and I suppose that when I’m dealing with a job, there’s a lot of paperwork which I always do in the same order. But all the stuff that I have a routine for, like getting ready, how I park my car, where I put my keys, you repeat on the night shift too. In the day, you get up, go to work, you do your shift, then when you’re on the nightshift you get up, go to work do your shift. The actual work in the nightshift doesn’t make a difference. James: So maybe I’m reading into this, and, correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like you have your routine, it’s not a schedule, it’s how you do things, that’s the routine. Ben: Yeah, it doesn’t matter the time of day it’s the order. It’s subconscious. James: So does autism help or hinder in the police? For example, It’s said that autistic people have a strong sense of justice. Do you feel this is true and does it help you? Ben: Interestingly enough, I had a conversation with my inspector the other day. I said I find it hard deciding what I will and won’t investigate. We could get a shoplifting, a pick pocketing, a domestic assault and a burglary and we have to be very critical with what we put to the side to ensure that we do the most critical offences. I find it hard to tell people who have been pickpocketed that we haven’t got the resources to send someone out to look at all the CCTV, locate witnesses, interview people on the street and I imagine that must feel terrible. It makes me sad, but that’s how things are with funding and staff at the moment. So yeah, it does help me to do a good job, to motivate me to catch the criminals but it’s probably more of a hinderance – because telling people I can’t investigate sometimes goes against everything I stand for. It’s an uneasy feeling. James: would you say that the police is a good job for autistic people or would you say… Ben: I think it’s important that autistic people are given the chance to be in the cops in the same way that the police should be a mix of all ethnicities, sexualities and religions, because the fabric of the community is just as diverse and we should represent who we are policing. Also, there are many autistic people who will need support. They are victims of crime so why can’t they be soldiers against crime?… [Editor’s note: although the interview took place over the phone, I imagine that it was at this point Ben put a monocle on, started stroking his chin and his brain turned on the philosophical switch] ….but then, I suppose it would be unfair for me to turn around and say that every autistic person can be a cop – because I don’t think that’s true. You have to be realistic. Some people who are autistic are regimented and you don’t get that in the cops. In a split second they could say you’re working another [shift] and you are going to really struggle. Also, the autistic spectrum opens up difficulties and strengths in all areas but generally those challenges are detrimental in terms of safety and managing workloads and it won’t always be clear-cut…. But I suppose that’s the same for everybody; nobody’s the same, so I guess that it’s unfair to say that every autistic person would be a fantastic cop in the same way that it would be unfair to say everybody would be a fantastic cop. However, when you have a Jewish community, it helps to have a Jewish officer because they will have stronger ties. But, when it’s an autistic person, that person only represents one kind of autism, potentially, in the country. You’re a fantastic representative of yourself but the spectrum is so broad and big you’ve not got the entire target audience…. do you get what I mean? James: I do. So do you think it’s important for autistic people to disclose? Ben: It’s personal choice. I haven’t but that’s not because I’m ashamed or embarrassed but because I manage my own autism. If it’s the case that you find something really really difficult then disclose and the force will support you and utilize you because of your different background for a certain community, or to help with learning. The force is aware that there are autistic people in it and they will provide help if you want it. So, should people disclose? It depends what’s right or wrong for you. James: Finally, and most importantly, who is the best cop in TV and movies? Ben: …all I can think of is Bruce Willis and he did a pretty bang up job in all 7 of his movies but my favorite cop film is End of Watch – except for the last 10 mins which I thought was a bit OTT. Previous Next

< Back Legacy Giving Secure the future; leave a lasting legacy through giving. Have you ever imagined the impact you could have on the world, even beyond your lifetime? Legacy giving is a powerful way to leave behind a lasting imprint, ensuring that the causes you hold dear continue to thrive for generations to come. What is Legacy Giving? Legacy giving, also known as planned giving, is a heartfelt commitment to support a cause that resonates with you well into the future. By including Autism Community Network in your estate plans, you're building a bridge between your values and the transformative work we do. Why Choose Legacy Giving? Impactful Transformation: Your legacy gift will contribute to sustained change in areas that matter most to you. Perpetuating Your Values: It's an opportunity to uphold your beliefs and create a better world aligned with your vision. Preserving Your Memory: Your generosity will be remembered, and your legacy will inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Financial Benefits: Some legacy gifts offer tax advantages that can benefit your estate and loved ones. How Can You Get Involved? Leaving a legacy is easier than you might think. You can choose from various options, such as bequests, charitable trusts, life insurance policies, and more. It's a personal decision that reflects your values and goals. If you're ready to shape the future through legacy giving, please fill out our legacy giving interest form, and we will set you up with one of our legacy giving partners to help you on your way. Your legacy is a testament to the change you wish to see in the world, and we're honored to be a part of that journey. Let's get started

Frequently asked questions. ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Still can't find what you're looking for? Write us a short message and well get back to you right away! First Name Last Name Email Write a message Thanks for submitting! Submit