Mandatory autism and de-escalation training
Mandatory autism and de-escalation training
The Issue
Every day, individuals on the autism spectrum face the risk of miscommunication and escalation during interactions with law enforcement. In Georgia, these encounters have sometimes led to trauma, arrest, or worse—simply because officers lacked training in how to recognize and interact with autistic individuals. Autistic behaviors—such as avoiding eye contact, stimming, or not responding to verbal commands—can be misunderstood as suspicious or noncompliant. But with the right training, officers can better interpret these behaviors, de-escalate safely, and protect everyone involved. This petition calls on Georgia lawmakers to make autism awareness and communication training mandatory for all police departments across the state.
What We’re Asking For (Call to Action)
We, the undersigned, respectfully urge Georgia lawmakers and police leadership to implement the
following reforms: 1. Mandatory Autism Awareness and De-escalation Training - Include autism-specific
training in the Georgia POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) basic academy curriculum. -
Require yearly in-service autism training for all certified officers. - Partner with experts from Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta to deliver evidence-based, trauma-informed training. Marcus is nationally recognized and affiliated with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University.
2. Autism & Sensory Needs Registry - Establish a voluntary, statewide registry where families can notify local departments of loved ones with autism or other neurodiverse conditions.
3. Provide Sensory De-escalation Kits - Equip patrol units with tools that help officers calm and communicate effectively during high-stress encounters.
4. Model After Local Successes - Departments like Cumming Police and South Fulton Police have already implemented successful autism training and community engagement. Georgia can lead by adopting these models statewide and enriching them through Marcus Autism Center’s proven training.
Why This Matters
According to the CDC, 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. These
individuals—especially youth and non-verbal adults—face disproportionate risk in law enforcement situations. Without training, officers may: - Misinterpret autistic behaviors as defiance or drug use. Escalate situations that could be resolved peacefully.
By working with Marcus Autism Center, Georgia has an opportunity to implement nation-leading training rooted in science, compassion, and public safety.
How You Can Help Beyond Signing
✔■ Share this petition with your community. ✔■ Email your Georgia State Representative asking them
to support legislation mandating autism training: ■ https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/
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The Issue
Every day, individuals on the autism spectrum face the risk of miscommunication and escalation during interactions with law enforcement. In Georgia, these encounters have sometimes led to trauma, arrest, or worse—simply because officers lacked training in how to recognize and interact with autistic individuals. Autistic behaviors—such as avoiding eye contact, stimming, or not responding to verbal commands—can be misunderstood as suspicious or noncompliant. But with the right training, officers can better interpret these behaviors, de-escalate safely, and protect everyone involved. This petition calls on Georgia lawmakers to make autism awareness and communication training mandatory for all police departments across the state.
What We’re Asking For (Call to Action)
We, the undersigned, respectfully urge Georgia lawmakers and police leadership to implement the
following reforms: 1. Mandatory Autism Awareness and De-escalation Training - Include autism-specific
training in the Georgia POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) basic academy curriculum. -
Require yearly in-service autism training for all certified officers. - Partner with experts from Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta to deliver evidence-based, trauma-informed training. Marcus is nationally recognized and affiliated with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University.
2. Autism & Sensory Needs Registry - Establish a voluntary, statewide registry where families can notify local departments of loved ones with autism or other neurodiverse conditions.
3. Provide Sensory De-escalation Kits - Equip patrol units with tools that help officers calm and communicate effectively during high-stress encounters.
4. Model After Local Successes - Departments like Cumming Police and South Fulton Police have already implemented successful autism training and community engagement. Georgia can lead by adopting these models statewide and enriching them through Marcus Autism Center’s proven training.
Why This Matters
According to the CDC, 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. These
individuals—especially youth and non-verbal adults—face disproportionate risk in law enforcement situations. Without training, officers may: - Misinterpret autistic behaviors as defiance or drug use. Escalate situations that could be resolved peacefully.
By working with Marcus Autism Center, Georgia has an opportunity to implement nation-leading training rooted in science, compassion, and public safety.
How You Can Help Beyond Signing
✔■ Share this petition with your community. ✔■ Email your Georgia State Representative asking them
to support legislation mandating autism training: ■ https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/
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Petition created on July 25, 2025