VSO Now Offering “Occupant With Autism” Decals For Residents

Deland, FL – The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is now offering free “Occupant With Autism” stickers for all Volusia County residents. The program is available to anyone within Volusia’s cities and towns, including unincorporated areas. The intent behind the sticker is to alert first responders to the possible presence of someone with autism who may not react or respond to questions or commands the same way as others. Those who register with the program can also let dispatchers enter a caution flag on the home address provided. Once that flag is made, any call for service to that home will generate a notification for responding units that someone with autism may be present. Those notifications will be available to all first responders. The VSO is also continuing special training for deputies on the best strategies and approaches for encounters with people on the autism spectrum. Those who want to sign up can do so online and pick one of two sticker designs available. Earlier this month, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office launched a similar program and began to distribute stickers to alert responders about occupants of a car or building with autism. The program is also free and offers registration online. Why Is This Advisory Important? According to Autism Speaks, someone on the autism spectrum can sometimes have an impaired sense of danger and might be overwhelmed by the presence of law enforcement. As previously stated, someone with autism might not respond to commands and can react with “fight” or “flight.” If an officer or deputy can identify that a subject involved with their call might have autism, they can respond in a way to help support the individual and keep them safe. “Teaching first responders the signs of autism is an important first step toward preventing unfortunate situations,” says Autism Speaks on its webpage regarding police interactions. In early April, an 11-year-old student with autism in Palmer, Alaska was pepper-sprayed by an Alaska State Trooper during an “outburst.” A report from Anchorage Daily News says the boy was threatening to kill his classmates with a pen and could not be calmed down by his parents or his teacher. The boy’s mother, Mindy Patel, told the ADN her son—who she described as “sweet, inquisitive, naive and sometimes silly”—was in sensory overload, cornered by adults who were reportedly shouting instructions at him. “His threats with the pen came from a place of fear and uncertainty,” Petal said to the ADN. “He was put in a situation that was handled so poorly by adults he was expecting to trust.” The boy was ultimately suspended from school. The Alaska Department of Public Safety has since launched an investigation into the use of pepper spray to make sure it complies with state law and the department’s policy. A spokesperson for the department said troopers are given de-escalation and mental health response training. It’s unknown if the officer was suspended  When dealing with someone who has autism, Autism Speaks says to be patient and give them space. Use simple sentences, give them time to process and respond, avoid quick movements, try to deal with the source of their frustration and watch for signs of behavior change. Most importantly, do not touch the person unless it is absolutely necessary. Dennis Debbaudt, who offers training and curriculum on law enforcement and autism, says agencies should proactively train their officers to recognize the behavioral symptoms and characteristics of a child or adult who has autism, and learn basic response techniques.