JACKSON — Hinds County is launching a countywide autism awareness and acceptance initiative designed to promote patience, understanding and safer interactions with individuals with autism and their families.
The initiative, a partnership among several county offices and public-safety agencies, will provide free vehicle bumper stickers bearing the message, “Please Be Patient, Allow Extra Time to Respond.”
The Hinds County Board of Supervisors, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Hinds County Tax Collector, Hinds County Tax Assessor, Hinds County constables, Hinds County Justice Court judges and Hinds County Circuit Clerk are participating in the effort.
County officials said the stickers are intended to provide a voluntary visual reminder that someone in a vehicle may need additional time to process information and respond during an interaction.
For some individuals with autism, unexpected situations, flashing lights, loud noises, unfamiliar people or rapidly delivered instructions can be overwhelming. People with autism also may communicate, process information or respond differently during encounters with law enforcement, first responders, court personnel or others in the community.
“This initiative is about making Hinds County a community where awareness leads to understanding and understanding leads to better interactions,” Hinds County Board of Supervisors President Robert Graham said. “Something as simple as giving a person a little more time to process and respond can make an important difference.”
Officials said the initiative is intended to extend autism awareness beyond any single agency or department.
A person may encounter county personnel during a traffic stop, at a courthouse, while conducting county business or in other community settings. Recognizing that individuals may communicate and process information differently can help reduce misunderstandings and encourage more positive interactions, officials said.
The bumper sticker does not replace established law enforcement or public safety procedures and does not identify every need an individual may have. Instead, it serves as an additional visual cue encouraging patience, awareness and thoughtful communication.
Free stickers are available to the public at the Hinds County Tax Collector’s Office, 316 South President St. in Jackson, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Residents can pick up a sticker for themselves, a family member or someone they support.
County officials said the participating agencies hope the initiative will help promote dignity, respect and understanding for individuals with autism throughout Hinds County.
The message is simple: Please be patient. Allow extra time to respond.
