[StBernard] St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Deputies Autism Training

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Deputies Autism Training 
Written by WGNO ABC26 News | Tuesday, 17 August 2010 12:15 

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Deputies have a new element to their training,
courses on Autism.

A handful of deputies took part in a class this afternoon.
They watched videos and talked with experts about the facts surrounding
Autism and also learned the signs and symptoms.

Research shows about one in 150 children is diagnosed with Autism.
Deputies feel it's critical they know how to better handle situations
involving people with Autism.

Jamie Landry-Zimmer, an advocate says, "they're going out into the community
and helping the general population understand what Autism is and how to
effectively treat someone with Autism and how to approach them, specific
mannerisms, specific language."

So far about 100 deputies have taken the class.

The Sheriff's Office wants residents to get involved as well.
If you have a family member with Autism you can register them in a data base
for deputies.
For more information call the Sheriff's Office at 504-278-7632.