Policing methods have evolved over the years. Many large cities train their officers how to recognize people with mental illness and to seek treatment for them, rather than throw them in jail. Although the DSM classifies autism as a mental disorder, there is a movement to remove that classification. Many people now refer to autism as a neurodevelopmental disorder. However it is classified, there is still a lot of misunderstanding. According to an article in the Austin Texas Statesman, a father of an autistic child, who has dedicated his life to educating and training officers on how to recognize and best respond to a call involving someone with autism, will be holding a training session with the San Marco, Texas Police Department. The sessions will be held in August and all interested parties are welcome to attended.
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