Sonoma County law enforcement and people with autism gather to teach each other

Did you know that a Be Safe training program was held in Sonoma County?  

"It's a two-way education" said Lt. David House, an organizer of the program and administrator with the Sonoma County Jail whose autistic son, Isa, 21, was on hand. For people diagnosed with autism, the basic elements of an emergency situation, from the startling nature of a patrol car's lights and sirens to a police officer's commanding voice, are circumstances that can cause great distress.

Sonoma County Regional Parks Ranger Beth Wyatt, who has two children on the autism spectrum, said she felt the program was well-crafted to capture the curiosity of people like her children.  Wyatt, who noted the Regional Parks system had training focused on autism last spring, said next time she will recommend they invite people on the autism spectrum to participate. "Officers can learn so much from one-on-one interactions with people" Wyatt said.

Read the full article written by JULIE JOHNSON : http://www.petaluma360.com/new...ement-and?artslide=0