The plea from AutismBC comes after a 15-year-old student, believed to be autistic, died in a police-involved shooting.
Advocates for people with autism are calling for all police officers to be trained to deal with neurodiverse and non-verbal individuals after a teenager was killed by gunfire during a confrontation with police this weekend.
Following what police described as an “extensive interaction,” police opened fire. The high-school student was killed.
“We strongly advocate for trauma-informed care to support our community, and this profound loss has amplified the urgency for action among our partner groups.”
The statement goes on to note that it is “crucial” for first responders to understand how disabilities may present in non-speaking individuals, who are particularly at risk. The group called on Education Ministry officials and those in education to step up wraparound support for students on the spectrum, “not just in Surrey but across the province.”
“We call for collective support in addressing the needs of the families and community impacted by this tragic loss.”
A Surrey school district official confirmed a student who attended Clayton Heights Secondary, close to the scene of the shooting, had died over the weekend.
To date, the individual has only been identified as “Chase” by friends and family who spoke to media. The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is looking into the death.
More to come.