Metro Atlanta police department trains officers to spot signs of autism – WSB-TV Channel 2

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — The South Fulton Police Division will begin coaching its officers to acknowledge the indicators of autism.

The division stated an incident in June started as a possible trespassing name, and became officers not recognizing the individual concerned was autistic.

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“Our officers have been referred to as to a scene involving somebody trying in a window,” stated Capt. Clarence Flournoy, who organized the coaching and whose nephew is autistic. “Our officers have been unaware of the indicators of autism. A type of is that folks don’t wish to be touched. When the officer reached out, the individual reacted and tried to run.”

In line with the Nationwide Autism Affiliation, autism impacts 1 in 44 kids. Boys are 4 instances extra prone to have autism than ladies.

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Bart Barta, the lead coach whose 18-year-old son is autistic, says it’s necessary to grasp the three fundamental areas. Communication, recognizing behaviors that an autistic individual reveals, and social consciousness.

“It’s not a matter of if, however when officers are going to come back into contact with somebody who’s autistic,” he stated. “We would like one of the best consequence potential for everybody concerned, each the individual and the officer,” Barta stated.

The training classes happen Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Southwest Arts Heart. All officers are invited to attend.

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