Sensory processing differences (sometimes called sensory processing disorder, or SPD) mean the brain handles input from the senses differently. Sounds, lights, touch, textures, smells, temperature and the sense of where your body is in space can be experienced far more intensely than other people experience them, or barely registered at all. They are common in autistic people and people with ADHD, and can also exist on their own.

A police encounter concentrates almost every difficult sensory input in one place: sirens and radios, flashing lights, being touched and held, handcuffs, a cell with constant lighting and echoing noise, strange smells, a change of clothes, and sudden transitions you did not choose. This guide is about what that can look like, and what you and the police can do about it.

How it can look to an officer

  • Covering ears, closing eyes, rocking, pacing or flapping to cope with input.
  • Freezing or going silent when overwhelmed, which can be mistaken for refusing to cooperate.
  • Pulling away from touch or handcuffs, which can be mistaken for resisting.
  • Shouting, swearing or lashing out during a meltdown, which can be mistaken for aggression.
  • Being unable to answer questions quickly, or answering oddly, which can be mistaken for intoxication or evasiveness.
  • Extreme distress at a change of clothing, at food textures, or at bright light.

None of these are offences, and none are evidence of guilt. But untrained officers may escalate rather than de-escalate, so the single most useful thing is to let them know.

What to say

If you can, tell the first officer: "I have a sensory processing condition. Loud noise and being touched are very hard for me. Please speak calmly and tell me before you touch me." A card in your wallet or a medical ID on your phone lock screen does the same job when you cannot speak. If a friend or family member is with you, they can say it for you.

What the police should do

PACE Code C treats anyone who may have difficulty understanding or communicating, or who may become confused or unclear under pressure because of a mental health condition or disorder, as vulnerable. In custody that means:

  • An appropriate adult must be called, in addition to your free solicitor, and must be present for interview and for your rights being explained.
  • A healthcare professional should assess you if there is any concern about your welfare.
  • The custody officer can and should make reasonable adjustments: a quieter cell away from the busiest area, lights dimmed, handcuffs removed as soon as safe, keeping your own clothing where it is not needed as evidence, allowing a comfort item, ear defenders or sunglasses where risk allows, and giving you more time to respond.
  • Interviews should be paced to you, with breaks when you need them.

These adjustments are also a duty under the Equality Act 2010 if your condition amounts to a disability, which long-term sensory processing differences usually do.

If you are a parent or carer

Ask the custody officer directly for the adjustments above and offer to act as appropriate adult or to brief the one appointed. Bring the things that help: familiar clothing, a fidget item, headphones, a written list of triggers and what calms them. Ask that the solicitor is told about the condition before interview.

Getting help and evidence

A GP can refer you (or your child) to an occupational therapist for a sensory assessment; a written report is useful both for everyday support and if you ever need to show the police or a court that your reactions have a medical explanation. The National Autistic Society, the ADHD Foundation and local advocacy services can advise on alert cards and on making a complaint if you were treated badly.

This is general information for England and Wales, not legal advice. If you have been arrested or charged, speak to a solicitor: advice at the police station is free for everyone.