Me & my teddy called BlU got separated by my local police in duty of care. As they see him as a toy.

I certainly don't want to experience that again. While I was in police station other day with my mum to sort this official complaint about the (Isle of man Constabulary) my mum said how the same copper who took BlU off me while I was in a suicidal mood. Rang my mum up after I was in hospital & said to my mum control your adult son.

I've already told them this on so many times I make my own decisions I live independently on my own not with my mum she's my AA nothing else. In 2020 I told my mum she's free & no longer my support carer as mummy has her own life to get on with I'm 40 & I can do things without her care for me. Me & BlU have enjoy independency. I hope I never come in contact with that copper again. I like the police just not him after what he did.

I'm so sorry for what you're going and what they did to you and BIU. That is unacceptable how that situation was handled even if they didn't have a full understanding of how important items/plushies/teddies are, they should've tried harder and had a bit more compassion and empathy. 

I really hope you're doing okay and that you and BIU never experience anything like that again. 

Hello NAS84046 and BIU.

I’m glad that you have got some information here that may help. 

I hope things improve for you from now on.

He's a blue teddy bear & so i named him BlU. He does everything with me.

Hiya Anna Mod. I have been in touch with all recommend helplines & getting help. I had support from mental health on the Isle of man but not seen them now for all most 17 weeks. My CMHT has handed me to crisis team but they can only offer me to get sectioned no other help available. As for 999 I don't believe in that number as of the last time I used it was because my electricity went off & I rang 999 & asked for fire because I seen a spark from a trip switch which looked dangerous in pitch black. The fire men helped me & called the correct man for the job to come out which was an electrician he sorted it within 45mins. The next morning I woke up & was told off by 2 landlords my landlord who owns flat & also the landlord who owns the building & both told me off for ringing 999 & asking fire service to help on electricity.

I explained it was an emergency but after this happened & in future when this happeneds I won't phone 999 I will just give up. Everyone who knows me knows have autism & I carry enough awareness with me. But many still assume that they can tell us off instead saying you did right thing.

Thanks Martin that's a great idea  

I've already passed & emailed my local police on the isle of man this info.

Oh, so it's a name?? Unique name 

BlU is my 12 years old teddy  

Can I ask what is a BIU??

Hi Jamie - I'm so sorry to hear that you and BIU were treated that way.

To perhaps help with your complaint - but also for future reference - it might be useful to know that the NAS has a guide for police officers and staff, which is designed to help them meet their legal responsibilities when they come into contact with autistic people.

On page 17, within the list of "Dos and Don'ts" for response officers, it explains:

"Don't: Remove an object that the person may be carrying for comfort, such as a rubber band or paper. Doing so may raise anxiety and cause distress, so this is not recommended unless essential."  

NAS - Autism: a guide for police officers and staff

This advice has been referenced, for example, in a case study from 2019 by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). I haven't linked to it directly, because it contains some swear words, but a link to it can be found some way down this page as "Learning Report 34.4 – Failure to get medical treatment for a man with learning difficulties":

The National Archives - Learning the lessons library

Hi and welcome to the community. I was very sorry to hear about your experience and I wish you luck with the complaint towards the police officer. Perhaps you could ask the police what you can wear or carry to remind them that you have a hidden disability and need more care and support, such as a sunflower lanyard.

I hope you find this forum helpful and I wish you well.

I'm sorry that you have such difficulties. The only practical suggestion I can make is perhaps to liaise with the hospital or your GP to have a card - sometimes called a 'hospital passport' - printed, that describes your difficulties and that your teddy is a vital emotional support for you. If you carry the card on you and show it to the police it could help them understand why removing your teddy when you are in a distressed state would be counterproductive. It may be reasonable for the police in the circumstances you describe, to check the teddy to make sure it contains no means for you to self-harm, but following that they should return it to you.

Hi NAS84046 , thank you for posting and sharing with the community what you’re going through. I’m sorry to hear you got separated from your teddy called BIU. It’s good that you’ve let us know what’s happening and how you feel. Because you mentioned attempting suicide before, and other people in a similar situation may read your post, I’m posting below some information which may help you and others coping with difficult situations and having suicidal thoughts.

If you are unable to cope with the distress or despair, it’s very important to tell someone about your feelings or thoughts of suicide. Call your GP and make an urgent appointment. Your GP can make sure you get appropriate help and support. 

The National Autistic Society does not currently operate a crisis or emergency service. We advise you to contact 999 or any of the mental health crisis lines listed on our Urgent Help Page if you are at risk of immediate harm: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support/urgent-help.

If you are not at immediate risk of harm, we would encourage you to speak to your GP or another health professional about this if you haven’t done so already. If it’s outside your GP hours call 111 to reach the NHS 111 service. In England, Wales and Scotland there is now an option to speak with mental health professionals by selecting ‘option 2’ when calling NHS 111: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/   

You may also find the following useful:  

• Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

• SANEline: 0300 304 7000 for anyone experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else (4.30pm to 10.30pm, every day)  

• Shout 85258: a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope.  
• Mind Infoline: 0300 1233393 for information and signposting (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, England and Wales only)   

We hope this is helpful to you and others. 

Best wishes,

Anna Mod