Autism Frequently Asked Questions

Autism Registry FAQ

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• What is the Autism Registry?

  The Autism Registry promotes communication and gives police quick access to critical information about a registered person with autism in a police emergency by capturing information such as a full description, routine/favourite attractions, communication and other special needs as well as emergency contact information.
  
  

• Can individuals with other communication disorders participate with this registry? Or is it restricted to those who fall within the Autism Spectrum?

  At this time, registrations will be limited to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
  
  

• If I don't live in Windsor, can I still register my child/dependent adult on the registry?

  If you do not live in Windsor you cannot use the on-line registration. Other policing jurisdictions will have access to the registry.
  
  

• As soon as I send the registration, will the information be immediately available in case police response is required?

  No. The registration form will need to be entered into a number of policing systems in order to capture all relevant information. It is hoped that this process will be quick but it may take up to 24 hrs to be fully processed. You will receive a confirmation with a “Report Number” for your future reference for updates, renewals, calls for service, etc.
  
  

• After I receive my confirmation "Flag Number" will I need to quote this number when I call the police?

  No, you will not need to have this “Report Number” to update the registration. During high stress situations, there is no expectation that you remember the number, but merely that the individual has been registered. The Windsor Police Service will be able to verify the information using the person’s name or address once we have been advised of the registration.  
  
  

• How do I get a decal for my house and car? Is it mandatory?

  When you receive your confirmation permanent “Report Number”, you will receive information about how to contact Autism Services Inc. to obtain these decals. It is not mandatory to have the decals; however, by readily identifying a vehicle or house with an individual with ASD , it may alter how a police officer interacts with the occupant.
  
  

• How do I contact Autism Services Inc.?

  Cheryl Huczel, Adminstrator
  Christine Loebach, Asst. Administrator
  3600 Curry Ave.
  Windsor, ON  N9E 2T6
  Tel: 519-966-7283
  Fax: 519-966-0301
  www.autismservicesinc.com
  autism@mnsi.net
  
  Data Entry Unit
  519-255-6700, Ext. 4151
  Data_Entry@police.windsor.on.ca
  
  

• Who has access to my child's profile?

  Windsor Police personnel who require this information in the performance of their duties will have access to the information.  There are strict regulations with respect to accessing and disseminating information. There is a Police Information Portal (P.I.P.) that is shared by all police agencies. The consent of the individual involved, or their parent/guardian, is required before any information is shared among police agencies.
  
  

• Can I update my profile more than every year if there are changes? How do I do that?

  You may, however, only information that has a significant impact on policing response will be necessary.  Some examples would include a change in address, school, or emergency contact.  You do not need to report a change in hair cut or colour, for example, as the police are familiar with the changes that can be made and are more likely to notice height, weight and eye colour.   You can send changes to Data_Entry@police.windsor.on.ca.
  
  

• Will I be notified when the annual renewal is required?

  The renewals are the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian.  It is recommended that you renew the registration during the month of the registrant’s birthday. 
  
  

• After my child/dependent adult is registered, and if there is an incident, do I need to do something to notify the police?

  It is preferable that you let the police know that the individual is already registered.  In doing so, the information will be immediately disseminated to the vehicles without having to ask the parents during a high stress situation.
  
  

• How will this registry help if my child/dependent adult goes missing?

  If the individual goes missing and is reported by the parent/guardian, information about his/her physical appearance, the most likely places where he/she would go to, as well as triggers, stimulants, and de-escalation techniques will be provided to every police officer in the area to look for the missing person.
  
  

• What guarantees do we have that the interaction between our child/dependent adult and the police will be positive once he/she is registered?

  There is no guarantee with this registry of positive outcome. What the registry allows is the ability for patrol officers to have necessary information faster to begin searching. Also, if an officer comes across a "wandering" child who is unable to communicate, the officer, if they recognize the condition, can have the database queried for persons on the  registry that live in the area.

  What is important to stress is that simply having a person registered with  the  registry is not going to change police responses in every instance involving an individual with ASD.   Police will act according to procedure depending on circumstances. An individual with ASD can still be arrested.  In that case, being registered will assist police in contacting the correct people.