West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office launches new autism support program

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The West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office has announced the launch of the Autism Awareness Alert program to promote safety and support for individuals with autism and their families. The program includes autism awareness stickers for vehicles and residences, as well as an Autism Awareness Database that can alert first responders to the presence of an individual with autism during emergencies.

Why it matters

The new program aims to ensure that first responders are informed and prepared to provide the most appropriate and compassionate response possible when interacting with individuals with autism, who may face unique challenges. This initiative is intended to help families feel safer and ensure a more effective response during emergencies.

The details

The Autism Awareness Alert program provides stickers that should be placed on the lower portion of the rear window of the driver's side of vehicles and near the primary entry door of homes. Deputies are trained to check those locations during calls for service. Participation in the Autism Awareness Database is optional, and the information provided is shared with first responder agencies to promote awareness and support more informed responses during calls for service.

• The West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office announced the launch of the program on March 30, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The sheriff's office said stickers and Autism Alert Database forms are available at the WBRSO office in the West Baton Rouge Parish Courthouse and the Law Enforcement Center for residents to participate in the program.