Autism presents challenges for families as well as those diagnosed with it.
It can also create unique complications for police officers, firefighters and paramedics who may not be familiar with how an autistic person may respond to them.
“I can tell you, as parent of someone with autism, law enforcement is a bit scary (for someone with autism),” said Yakima police Sgt. Ryan Yates.
Which is why Yates spearheaded a program, Project Guardian, that will give first responders a heads up when they interact with someone who has special needs, including stickers for houses and cars so police, firefighters and paramedics can know at a glance if they are dealing with someone who may respond in unexpected ways. The program, which launched Friday, comes at the same time as a Smart 911 program that allows people to enter information about themselves and loved ones in a database accessible to emergency dispatchers around the country.