Completing an autistic missing persons protocol

: assessing form efficacy and user experience

Abstract

Purpose. The risks and challenges of missing episodes in individuals with ASD could be considered greater than those of non-ASD individuals as those with ASD often have an impaired sense of danger and may leave a safe environment in order to reach a preferred person, interest or place or to hide away (Anderson et al., 2012). Examples of frequently preferred places include water ways and roadways increasing the risk of serious injury or fatality. Therefore, the impact of a missing autistic person cannot be over-emphasized. This combined with the additional support needs of those with ASD means a different approach should be taken by the police when carrying out a missing persons investigation. In response to this, Police Scotland has developed the Autistic Missing Persons Protocol (AMPP), an information gathering tool designed to assist police officers when searching for a person with ASD who has been reported as missing to them. The protocol is a 12-page document containing 14 sections that should be completed by a parent, guardian, or carer to a person with ASD, prior to a missing episode. In addition, where appropriate, the person the form refers to should be supported to contribute towards its completion. Once completed it should be stored in a safe place until needed. Prior to rolling out the protocol Police Scotland wished to evaluate the form. The current research explores the efficacy of the Autistic Missing Persons Protocol form as created by Police Scotland and the user experience surrounding this.

Methods. The current research consisted of two studies. Study one involved the analysis of 16 AMPP forms completed by participants who were purposively recruited, via partner agencies and contacts of the researcher, as parents, carers or guardians to an individual with ASD. The sample comprised forms completed by eight police personnel (police officers who are also parents of children with ASD) and eight members of the public. In study two, semi structured interviews were conducted on a one-to-one basis over Microsoft Teams with 12 participants recruited from Study 1. The interview explored participants’ experience of completing the form. The interview sample comprised six police personnel and six members of the public.

Results/Findings. Study one’s results showed that, in general, most of the sections had been completed by all the participants. Where identifying information was required, police participants tended to redact that information. Three sections: Communication, Responses and Reactions and Personal Circumstances yielded the greatest amount of data; however, despite this some participants only gave one-word answers. It was also clear from those who had completed the form by hand that there was not enough space to provide detailed responses. Equally, there were sections that generated very little data, for example, Additional information, as none of the participants had heard of an Autism Alert Card. The findings from study two generated three themes: 1. To Complete or Not to Complete which considered the length and structure of the AMPP and the impact this might have. 2. Parents Know Best, in this theme all participants considered they were the best placed to search for their loved one during a missing episode as there was some uncertainty about how much knowledge and experience police have of the autistic community. 3. A Guiding Hand. This theme discussed the participants’ desire to have a guidance document to support their completion of the AMPP.

Conclusion. Key findings from study one showed the format of the AMPP may prove difficult for those wishing to complete it by hand, and the wording of some questions did not elicit the detailed responses expected/required. Study two showed the participants’ user experience of the AMPP did not reduce reluctance to engage with the police until they felt more confident about their experience and understanding of ASD individuals. In addition, the overall efficacy of the form is fairly low, with a number of alterations recommended to strengthen it. If updates are made based upon the proposed recommendations, the AMPP has the potential to be a useful tool for police officers and potentially reduce the number of serious incidents that occur as a result of ASD individuals going missing.

Date of Award	3 Nov 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Abertay University
Supervisor	Penny Woolnough (Supervisor) & Lynn Wright (Supervisor)