Autistic Adult Visits Atlantic Co. Prosecutor's Office To Promote Autism Awareness

MAYS LANDING, NJ — The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office recently got a visit from a Pennsylvania autistic adult who has made it his goal to educate as many law enforcement agencies as possible on interacting with people with autism.

Alex Mann, 23, visited the agency on Oct. 3, to promote autism awareness and to "share his personal perspective on how officers can better understand and interact with individuals on the autism spectrum," the prosecutor's office said in a release.

Mann started off visiting local police departments near his home in Malvern, Pa., but now has visited agencies not just in Pennsylvania, but in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and even California. Atlantic County was Mann's 425th stop.

The prosecutor's office gave Mann a tour of the agency and SWAT vehicles. He also met with several detectives, prosecutors and other employees.

“It was a privilege for our agency to meet Alex and hear his perspective on behalf of the special needs community,” said Prosecutor William Reynolds. “In order to advance public safety for all, we need to embrace diverse voices such as his. Thank you for the visit and inspiration Alex, as we wish you the best as you continue your journey!”

The prosecutor's office said it "has long taken seriously its obligations to the special needs population" and does so in a variety of ways, including the Atlantic County Special Needs Registry, partnering officers with school districts to learn about intellectual and developmental disabilities and participation in the "Blue Envelope" program, which helps autistic drivers in the case of being pulled over by police.

"An informed, aware, and empathetic law enforcement agency is more effective in its
mission of advancing public safety for all," Reynolds added. "We are improving every day and providing other county departments with the opportunity to do the same."