Autism registry 'not a negative thing', says Diane Spurrell

The mother of an autistic son arrested in St. John's in 2009 is supportive of a new voluntary registry for people with autism, and says people should look past the stigma associated with police registries.

Diane Spurrell believes a registry may have prevented her son Dane from being thrown in jail following a confrontation with Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers.

"It's not a sex offender's registry. It's not a negative thing. It's there to help. That's our end goal. So that nobody's child has to hold their bad stomach all night in a jail," Spurrell told CBC News during an interview on Monday.

Mixed reaction to registry

The registry is the result of a partnership between the RNC and the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

It was officially launched on the society's website this week, and is intended to give police officers quick access to critical information about a person with autism during an encounter.

Supporters say the registry was prompted by calls from parents requesting such a resource.

It's hoped that incidents like the one involving Dane can be avoided in the future, and Diane sees great value in that.

"My concern is about informing first responders on behalf of somebody who cannot inform them, themselves," she said.

My son would come up here now and look at you and say in your face, 'I'm not autistic.- Diane Spurrell

"For example, my son would come up here now and look at you and say in your face, 'I'm not autistic.'"

Diane clearly remembers searching for Dane that night, imagining the worst, so she will eagerly hand over her son's private information if it can help keep him out of trouble.

But support is not universal.

A spokesman for a group called Families for Effective Treatment of Autism (FEATNL), Tony Howell, has criticized the registry, saying it further stigmatizes people with autism.

Howell described the registry as a waste of resources, and questions its effectiveness.

"I have seen virtually no support for it," Howell, the father of two adults with autism spectrum disorder, said recently.

"If you're on a police registry, what impression does that leave? Obviously that you're a danger to the public."

Scott Crocker, executive director with the autism society, defended the registry on Tuesday.

"This is an attempt to increase the odds, increase the opportunity for a positive outcome," he said.

Failed to recognize disorder

Dane Spurrell, now 24, is high-functioning at times, but doesn't respond to stress like most people. He declined to be interviewed for this story.

Six years ago during a trip to the video store, he came in contact with the police. 

When he did not answer questions to their satisfaction, the officers arrested him for obstruction of justice, believing he was intoxicated.

He spent the night in jail.

The officers failed to recognize the disorder, and the RNC later issued a full apology for the incident. Officers now undergo sensitivity training.

I'm concerned that people won't use it because they're afraid of the stigma, but I would appeal to people to see past that.- Diane Spurrell

The registry, similar to others across Canada, is intended to improve the odds of a successful outcome during an encounter with an autistic person. 

It can also be used as a tool to assist in the search for a missing person, since the database will include information such as a person's description, known routes and destinations, likes and dislikes, and any special needs.

RNC Chief William Janes hopes the registry will allow the force to better serve the community.

Diane Spurrell believes it's worth a try.

"I'm concerned that people won't use it because they're afraid of the stigma, but I would appeal to people to see past that," she said.