North Aurora police to learn autism awareness

North Aurora police will learn more about autism this month as part of the department's participation in Autism Awareness Month.

All employees will be given a pamphlet from the Autism Society, "Autism Information for Law Enforcement and Other First Responders." They will also view a 25-minute video about autism, and be tested on the content.

Officers will attend a one-hour presentation on autism, given by workers from the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. It will include tips on the best ways to interact with people who have autism.

Articles about autism will be included in the department's weekly email newsletter, COP Bytes. To sign up for the newsletter, send an email to rstecklein@vil.northaurora.il.us.

And on April 2, the department will participate in "Light It Up Blue Day," by turning the outside building lighting blue.

Autism, a developmental disability, affects a person's ability to communicate and otherwise interact with people.