Feedback on the Need to Develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Arrest and Detention of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder, a subtype of neuro-developmental disorder is characterised by deficits in social interaction skills and the presentation of restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviours.These symptoms in turn, increase the tendency for risky behaviours towards violation of the law.Thus, this situation necessitates a specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the arrest and detention of persons with autism.In Malaysia, even though reported cases of criminal offences by persons with autism are infrequent, a specific SOP would provide a guideline to enable police authorities the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and religious enforcement officers (REO) to perform their duties properly and guarantee persons with autism and those who are disabled their legal rights.The aim of this article is to discuss about high risk behaviours which gravitate towards violation of the law by persons with autism.Next, discussion is focused on the feedback by various parties on the need to develop a specific SOP from the legal perspective, mainly by police authorities, religious enforcement officers and head of religious departments, politicians and special education teachers as well as the agency that support and care for persons with autism.This qualitative research involved document analyses and interviews, round table discussion as well as focused group discussions (FGDs) with informants.Data collected was descriptively analysed and thematically presented.Research results showed that the behaviours of persons with autism that were related to violation of the law include theft, molestation, indecent conduct in public places and setting building on fire (arson).According to research informants it was necessary to develop an SOP for Arrest and Detention of Persons with Autism in order for the police and religious enforcement officers to fulfill their responsibilities based on clear legal provisions.Development of this SOP also showed the concern of authorities to ensure legal justice to persons with autism and those who are disabled, and sharing of information between frontliners and the public, as well as parents in handling them appropriately.