EDITORIAL: Autism registry works for St. Joe

May 26--In just a few months' time, the Autism Registry created for the St. Joseph community has proven its value in easing anxiety for residents and increasing safety.

And to think: This addition to our available services came at no cost except for the time to set it up within the St. Joseph Police Department's existing software.

This outreach -- a partnership of the police and the Autism Alliance of Northwest Missouri -- already has registered more than 70 individuals since it debuted in January. Officials relate two examples of how the registry has helped:

--An officer arriving at a residence saw information on his onboard computer notifying him someone in a nearby residence was on the registry. The officer noticed the individual had sensory issues and did not like bright, flashing lights. The officer adjusted his overhead lights so they would only flash behind him.

--An officer answered a call and was faced with an individual who was experiencing a meltdown. The officer knew, based on information included in the registry, that sitting quietly in a darkened room was a calming strategy that worked for this individual. As a result, the officer turned off the lights and was able to sit down next to the person until he calmed down.

Our thanks to Sgt. James Langston with the police Crisis Intervention Team for sharing these stories. It was Langston who heard about the registry at a conference and brought the idea back to St. Joseph; it so happens he personally understands the need as the father of two sons with high-functioning autism.

We join in congratulating the police department and Langston, Officer Matt Kneib and Dispatcher Meghan Ohlensehlen for receiving an award from the Autism Alliance for their above and beyond efforts in setting up and promoting this addition to the community's safety net.

"It gives us information about the child so officers know what they're walking into, how to communicate effectively with the child, what the child's triggers are, what helps calm the child," Langston told News-Press Now.

In the process, it also clearly has the potential to de-escalate situations where police are called to crises at local residences.

Registration includes a form that gives first responders a photo, name, basic characteristics, information on triggers, sensory issues and communication instructions that work best for the individual.

Families and caregivers of autistic individuals, and others with special needs, can be added to the registry by contacting Langston at 816-271-5306 or by email at jlangston@stjoemo.org. They may also contact the alliance at aanwmo@gmail.com.

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