April is National Autism Awareness Month. The Autism Society founded the event in 1972 when it began as National Autistic Children’s Week. The event was founded to increase awareness, advocate awareness, and spark change in schools, communities, medical facilities, and businesses. National Autism Awareness Month not only raises awareness for autism but also Asperger’s Syndrome.

Studies show about one in 270 people in the world have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD causes developmental disabilities which can bring challenges to many areas of one’s life. The areas which are mostly affected included social, communication, and behavior. Children with ASD present as nonverbal or have restricted or repetitive behaviors.

In the state of Maryland there is an organization who works to educate and train the community to support and improve the lives of individuals with autism. Pathfinders For Autism offers great training for First Responders to support a better understanding on how to interact with individuals with ASD when responding to incidents.

Pathfinders is a current partnership with the Town of La Plata Police Department. Corporal Jordan Madison is the officer who has the privilege of being the representative from the Department to attend the events hosted by Pathfinders throughout the state and to drive the Autism Awareness Cruiser. Corporal Madison is also an active member of our department and we support the events hosted by LPPD throughout the month.


If you would like further information on National Autism Awareness Month, check out the links below for Autism Speaks and the Autism Society.

If you are looking to set up training and education provided by Pathfinders their website is also listed below.

If you would like to show support to Cpl Madison and the La Plata Police Department, check out the flyer for their 2nd Annual “Rev'ed Up for Autism” Car Show.