EXPERT FROM SCHOOL OF LAW DELIVERS LANDMARK AUTISM AWARENESS TRAINING TO AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA

On Wednesday, 18 September 2024, Dr. Alan Cuasck, together with Professor Coral Dando (University of Westminster) and Dr. Katie Maras (University of Bath), delivered a landmark Autism Awareness Training seminar to senior officials within An Garda Síochána.

The special interactive seminar represented the first public engagement by the Irish Mendez Centre for Investigative Interviewing. The seminar, which was delivered in collaboration with Inspector Brian Quirke (National Interview Advisor, An Garda Síochána), focused on best practice approaches to identifying and responding to autism spectrum disorder.

The seminar was attended by thirty (30) individually identified officers within An Garda Síochána who have a direct involvement in conducting interviews with vulnerable individuals. The effectiveness of the training will now be evaluated through the analysis of pre and post-questionnaires. The results will be published in an international journal at the end of the year.