Forward Township police offer autism awareness stickers
By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com
An emergency situation can be frightening for anyone, but for a person with autism who may not be able to communicate with first responders, it can be both scary and dangerous.
The Forward Township Police Department is taking steps to make such encounters safer for everyone by providing free window stickers for vehicles and homes to make first responders aware of the special need.
“Pitcairn’s police Chief Scott Farally gave me permission to use his design,” said Forward Township police Chief Travis Stoffer. “It’s a great way to make emergency personnel know what they’re dealing with in a car or home. It allows them to adjust their response.”
Stoffer said without advance knowledge of a special need, officers may misinterpret a person’s actions.
“If you come across an autistic person in a vehicle without knowing this, you’re going to think they’re acting strange or combative and you’re not going to know what’s going on.”
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