Indy Autism Project seeks to train city employees on understanding autism

The Indianapolis City-County Council will consider a proposal Monday to train city employees on how to work and interact with people on the autism spectrum.

The Indy Autism Project, proposed by Indianapolis City-County Council member Ali Brown, would partner with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. The program would have an emphasis on how to empathize with and understand individuals with autism.

Advocates lauded the proposal at a news conference earlier Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium. They hope the effort ultimately makes Indianapolis the safest, most welcoming city for those with autism spectrum disorder.

The project, which would be operated entirely on donations, would begin with a kick-starter of $10,000 from the Autism Society of Indiana. Brown hopes that more donations will grow the initiative, which could include the creation of a fully sensory park that has more tactile experiences for children.

For Brown, it's personal. Her 3-year-old son Dylan is on the autism spectrum. She recalled the day she got the call last year from the doctor confirming his diagnosis.

"I mourned a little bit for how easy life should be for my son because he deserves that just like everybody else," Brown said.

She was proud to be elected to the council one month later, she said, a platform she planned to use to make the world better for Dylan and everyone else on the spectrum.

"About 2% of Indy's population is on the spectrum," Brown said. "And it's very important as an inclusive welcoming city that we do everything we can to make sure that people on the spectrum have access to all the opportunities that the rest of us have."

The international credentialing board will train police, IndyGo bus drivers and Indy Parks employees on how to work with residents on the spectrum. The group will also work with the Indy Chamber and the nonprofit Easterseals to bring training and accreditation for employers in the city, showing them best hiring practices for people on the spectrum.

Visit Indy will also work with the hospitality and tourism industry to make certain locations and events sensory friendly, a key benefit for people with autism who may have sensory issues.

The efforts will make Indianapolis the second city to become autism certified by the credentialing board, trailing Mesa, Ariz.

"My fervent hope is that this idea, this step forward, shines a bright light on Indianapolis and Indiana, and our community as a whole," said Todd Root, director of strategic development for the Autism Society of Indiana.

Aaron Likens, author of a book on Asperger's syndrome who was diagnosed with Asperger's at age 20, said he's met with a common question when he gives presentations on autism to students and parents across the country: what's next?

"When I heard about this, that's what this is -- this is bringing every pillar of society to get on the same page," he said. "We do have autism awareness, yes, but this is going to bridge that gap to understanding."

Contact Amelia Pak-Harvey at apakharvey@indystar.com or 317-444-6175. Follow her on Twitter @AmeliaPakHarvey.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy Autism Project seeks to train city employees on understanding autism

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