Published on April 03, 2023
Menlo Park officers will wear an autism awareness pin on their uniforms recognizing April as National Autism Awareness month. Every day, the millions of Americans living with autism and their families face unique and overwhelming challenges. About 1 in 36, 8-year-old children were identified with autism in 2020 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This estimate makes it clear that autism affects the lives of millions of Americans – our friends, neighbors, colleagues and family members. Our police officers receive training to recognize the behavioral symptoms and characteristics of a child or adult who has autism, and learn basic response techniques. It is important that our officers are aware of the range of mannerisms and characteristics that autism presents to help them better assist members of the public and more safely carry out their job. National Autism Awareness month is a chance to raise awareness and educate the public about autism. Autism is a complex mental condition and developmental disability, characterized by difficulties in the way a person communicates and interacts with other people. Family members of autistic individuals can participate in the Special Needs Registry to provide officers information regarding the family member. This will help them better understand the condition of the family member with special needs.