Columbia, S.C. (WACH) — The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is distributing free decals designed to alert law enforcement that someone inside a vehicle may have autism, an initiative officials say could help prevent misunderstandings during interactions with deputies.
Sheriff Leon Lott announced the program in partnership with Richland School District One, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the needs of people with autism and responding appropriately.
For Dr. Melanie Ray, a mother of a child with autism and Down syndrome, the initiative addresses concerns about how people with autism may be treated when first responders don’t understand their needs…