Resources
Autism Resources
Being armed with information about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) helps families and Deputies/Officers feel more comfortable as they face certain situations. Some families need to know where to start when one member of the family has been recently diagnosed. Other families face unexpected difficulties as their loved ones with Autism learn to live effectively in home, school, or community settings. We are dedicated to supporting families by making information and resources more readily available. Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office wants our community to know we are here in their time of need. By establishing a working relationship with our families in the Autism community, we believe we can help to ensure a safer environment for all involved.
Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Autism Alerts
LPSO has been paving the way in Autism Awareness and Safety in Lafayette Parish. Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to educate our Deputies on; first contact, safety, and building relationships within our Autism Community. Our Mission is to ensure the safety of everyone involved, in any situation, which we may respond to.
What is an Autism Alert? An Autism Alert is simply a form that is filled out by a parent or guardian living with someone who has Autism. This Alert is placed within the 911 system, which services all cities within Lafayette Parish. When Deputies are dispatched to a residence with an Autism Alert Notification, the Deputy/Officer will be made aware that there is a person with Autism who resides there. The Deputy/Officer then knows that a person with Autism may not respond appropriately, in a high stress environment.
Having a family member (Adult or child) on an Autism Alert, helps to create a safer scene for the person on the Autism Spectrum, as well as the Deputy/Officer responding. Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office is leading the way through education for all Deputies. The mission is to maintain as safe a situation as possible, when the person on scene may not be processing the events adequately. This program enables Deputies to have information prior to their arrival at the residence. Knowledge and education is powerful in giving all persons on scene the safest possible resolutions.
To request an Autism Alert, simply call the Community Services Unit with Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office at: 337-236-5657. A Deputy will come out to your location and assist you in filling out an Alert. Autism Alerts are maintained via Hipaa regulations, and are kept private.
The Autism Alerts cannot be mailed or faxed.
Autism Alerts are FREE and Encouraged!
Autism GPS Tracking
Many children on the Autism Spectrum Wander. Having a missing child for any amount of time is very frightening. Parents are looking for ways to maintain a safe environment for their child and be able to locate them immediately if they wander. Many different wearable GPS trackers are on the market at this time. Finding a tracker that fits your needs can be overwhelming. The Safe Wise Report on GPS trackers may help you in this endeavor. Remember that we at the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office are not endorsing any of these trackers, only providing you with some current options on the market. Check around and see what works for you!
Family Grants Available
Many families wonder whether they can write a grant proposal and receive funds to help them manage the financial challenges that come with an autism spectrum diagnosis. The good news is that there are such grants available to private citizens. If you are looking for help in obtaining a GPS tracker for your family member on the Autism Spectrum, we have provided a few links to grant services that may be able to help.