Oct 26, 2016 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – The first interaction a child with autism has with a police officer can impact their lives forever.

Damon Casseday of Bobtown wants to make sure those encounters go as smoothly as possible by designing and distributing a bright yellow auto window decal that informs police officers during traffic stops or crashes that a child with autism is in the car.

“First impressions are important. If you scare that autistic kid, he’ll be scared for life,” Casseday said. “When they’re scared, they need that comfort zone.”

Casseday knows firsthand because his 5-year-old son, Dustin, has a “moderate, middle of the road” form of autism. Casseday earlier this year formed the Dustin Damon Casseday Autism Foundation to help families in Greene County and create a support network.

The sticker, which is a reflective puzzle piece with a police badge in the middle, was an idea Casseday had after learning of the Aug. 18 shooting death of a 36-year-old autistic man killed by officers in Kansas after he drove away from police. Casseday said he read reports the man was frightened and trying to get to a “safe zone.” He hopes such a sticker in the car, along with a seatbelt wrap with information about the child’s name and condition, would help police identify problems before they escalate.

Something as simple as turning off the emergency lights could make a difference, Casseday said.

“It’s going to be bigger than people realize,” Casseday said. “Bigger because it will serve on so many levels.”

He discussed the idea with Sgt. Steve Dowlin, commander of the state police barracks near Waynesburg, and received a lot of feedback. Dowlin said the sticker and information in the seatbelt wrap could be critical for first responders at the scene of a crash.

“I personally think it’s a good idea and lets our officers know there is an autistic individual inside. It aids EMS, officers and firefighters if, God forbid, they’re in a crash,” Dowlin said. “There are many situations it could be helpful, from a traffic stop to a time of crisis.”

Although this program would start at the local level, Casseday hopes it eventually spreads nationwide to raise awareness within the law enforcement community. Dowlin said he’d be happy to discuss the initiative “within our command structure to widen it out” across Pennsylvania.

“That can be hugely beneficial to saving their life,” Dowlin said.

Casseday is now working with a graphics company in Washington County and hopes to soon be able to distribute the free stickers from his foundation’s new office at 60 W. High St. in Waynesburg.

“Every program has had to have a starting point,” Casseday said. “I look out there and there are a lot of heartfelt organizations that provide information. But need to throw their hands in and help families.”

Casseday will discuss the idea in greater detail during a meeting Nov. 13 with law enforcement officials at the Moose Lodge in Carmichaels

The foundation is also organizing a “Trunk-or-Treat” later this month to offer a safe and sensory free alternative for children with autism. The event, which is free with food available, is from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Lions Club Park near Waynesburg. Costumes are optional, and those wishing to attend are asked to call 724-812-3147 or 724-833-6466 to RSVP.