News You Can Use 2-5-23

On this Sunday’s edition of News You Can Use on WTIC NewsTalk 1080 at
5:30a and 9:00a, host Ann Baldwin invites Dr. Kari Sassu, Director of the
Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning at Southern Connecticut
State University to join the show and discuss Traffic Stop Practice for
Individuals with Autism.
For everyone, a traffic stop can create some anxiety. For an individual with
autism, it may have an even greater impact. Dr. Sassu explains the
initiative of The Blue Envelope Program, a tool created by the Department
of Motor Vehicles and the
Connecticut Police Chiefs
Association. The Center of
Excellence on Autism Spectrum
Disorders at SCSU, in collaboration
with the Southern Police, created a
training program that bridges the
autistic community and law
enforcement in Connecticut. Dr.
Sassu explains just how impactful this program can be for autistic drivers
and their families peace of mind.
On Saturday, March 18th at Tunxis College in Farmington, autistic drivers
will get an opportunity to experience a simulated traffic stop to practice
their communication with Police as well as help alleviate anxiety in similar
situations. This event will be hosted by Farmington, West Hartford, Avon
and Simsbury Police Departments, as well as the Southern Connecticut
State University Police Department.
For more information on this event and all the Center of Excellence on
Autism Spectrum Disorders has to offer, visit
www.southernct.edu/asd-center