Horry County, SC, August 1, 2022:  Horry County Police Department is enrolled in the First Responders Autism Awareness Training to better understand and support people living with autism.

The officers and staff of the Horry County Police Department will participate in training modules and exercises that provide information about how to issue spot and handle encounters with autistic individuals.  Developed with ABA service providers, families of people with autism and autistic individuals, the training is informative and engaging. 

Horry County Police Chief, Joseph Hill states, “We are excited and appreciative of this opportunity to better educate and equip our officers to serve all who live in and visit Horry County.”

Becky Large, Champion Autism Network Executive Director, says about the Horry County Police Department’s involvement, “We are so grateful for the support and interest of the Horry County Police Department for people and families living with autism.  Much of the training that police officers receive is counter-intuitive to dealing with some people with autism.  We hope by spreading more autism awareness among more and more police departments and first responders, that there will be fewer escalations and better understanding between police and those with autism.”

About Horry County:

Horry County is the easternmost county in South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, its population was 351,029. The county seat is Conway. It is the central county in the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

About Autism:

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – Autism Spectrum Disorders. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors making unfamiliar environments triggers for tantrums and meltdowns. An estimated 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is on the Autism Spectrum and that number is increasing.

 About Champion Autism Network:

Champion Autism Network’s mission is to educate and empower communities, businesses, and organizations to create supportive and judgment-free experiences that enhance the quality of life for people living with autism.

To learn more go to www.championautismnetwork.com or Champion Autism Network on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChampionAutismNetwork/

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