Metro Atlanta police department trains officers to spot signs of autism

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — The South Fulton Police Department will start training its officers to recognize the signs of autism.

The department said an incident in June began as a potential trespassing call, and turned into officers not recognizing the person involved was autistic.

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“Our officers were called to a scene involving someone looking in a window,” said Capt. Clarence Flournoy, who organized the training and whose nephew is autistic. “Our officers were unaware of the signs of autism. One of those is that people don’t like to be touched. When the officer reached out, the person reacted and tried to run.”

According to the National Autism Association, autism affects 1 in 44 children. Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls.

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Bart Barta, the lead trainer whose 18-year-old son is autistic, says it’s important to understand the three basic areas. Communication, recognizing behaviors that an autistic person shows, and social awareness.

“It’s not a matter of if, but when officers are going to come into contact with someone who is autistic,” he said. “We want the best outcome possible for everyone involved, both the person and the officer,” Barta said.

The learning sessions take place Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Southwest Arts Center. All officers are invited to attend.

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